US3794798A

US3794798A - Submersible switch and double toggle, power transmission member operating mechanism therefore

Info

Publication number: US3794798A
Application number: US00354942A
Authority: US
Inventors: F Trayer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-04-27
Filing date: 1973-04-27
Publication date: 1974-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 1991-02-26

Abstract

A medium-voltage submersible switch having a pair of over-center toggle mechanisms in series in the power train operating the switch elements, the first of the toggle mechanisms being operable from outside the tank housing the switch. Lost Motion connections are placed between the first toggle mechanism and the operator, and between the first and second toggle mechanisms. Three parallel switches are shown, actuated by a single driving bar, which is equipped with a stop to limit its motion just beyond the over-center point of the second toggle mechanism in one direction, and a latch mechanism is shown for remote triggering of the switch after the mechanism has been cocked. A motor operator is shown pivotally attachable to the outside of the enclosure and engageable with the operating member of the first toggle. The motor operator may be disengaged from the operating member for manual switch operation by being pivoted about the pivoted attachment. An alternate form is shown having a single switch element and a fuse in series with the switch element, for testing circuits suspected of high fault currents.

Description

United States Patent -1 1 Trayer 1 Feb. 26, 1974 [76] lnventor: Frank C. Trayer, 25690 LaLanne Ct., Los Altos Hills, Calif. 94022 [22] Filed: Apr. 27, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 354,942

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No, 214,330, Dec. 30, 1971,

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl.- 200/153 G, 200/153 V, 335/191 [51] Int. Cl. H0111 3/46, HOlh 3/48 Primary Examiner--Robert K. Schaefer Assistant Examiner-Robert A. Vanderhye Attorney, Agent, or FirmSchapp and Hatch [57] ABSTRACT A medium-voltage submersible switch having a pair of over-center toggle mechanisms in series in the power train operating the switch elements, the first of the toggle mechanisms being operable from outside the tank housing the switch. Lost Motion connections are placed between the first toggle mechanism and the operator, and between the first and second toggle mechanisms. Three parallel switches are shown, actuated by a single driving bar, which is equipped with a stop to limit its motion just beyond the over-center point of are samba ibggraiiieianfimfi"amnesia a latch mechanism is shown for remote triggering of the switch after the mechanism has been cocked. A motor operator is shown pivotally attachable to the outside of the enclosure and engageable with the operating member of the first toggle. The motor operator may be disengaged from the operating member for manual switch operation by being pivoted about the pivoted attachment. An alternate form is shown having a single switch element and a fuse in series with the switch element, for testing circuits suspected of high fault currents.

14 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEBZS 1914 3194.798

PATENTEDFEB26 1914 SHEET 2 (IF 3 PATENTED FEB 2 6 I974 SHEET 3 0F 3 sUBMERsIBLE'swITcII AND DOUBLE TOGGLE, POWER TRANSMISSION MEMBER OPERATING MECHANISM THEREFORE This is a continuation of Application Ser. No. 214,330, filed Dec. 30, 1971 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION power-handling capacity is prevention of teasing",

that is, slow or incomplete motion. Slow opening motion under load or slow closing into a shorted circuit causes many problems, including erosion of the contacts, damage to the switch, etc. Firm engagement of the switch contacts is also necessary to provide the desired low resistance path, especially where the basic switching element is of the vacuum switch type where considerable force is required to bring the contacts into butting engagement.

Although switches of the present type may be motoroperated, provision must also be made for manual operation. Despite the high operating pressures involved, the switch must be capable of operation by a moderate amount of manual pressure. Further, where toggle or snap-over mechanisms are used, the manual operating handle must be shielded from the backlash of the mechanism, to prevent injury to the operator. Remote operation of the switch is also desirable, in view of the trend toward centrally controlled switching of power or automatic relayed operation. Previous remotely operable switches of this class have suffered. .from a complexity and bulkiness of structure which vmade them unsuitable for underground, unsheltered installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION drive mechanism from any backlash produced by the engagement with the switch to permit manual operation. The switch may also be set up for remote operation by cocking one toggle part way through its motion and restraining the second toggle against motion in response to the first toggle by a remotely releasable latch.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a switch of the character described which is reconnectable and self-contained in its weather proofing.

It is a further principal object of the present invention to provide a switch of the character described which is tease-proof and provides high contact-butting pressures while retaining ease of manual operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a switch of the character described which protects the operator against backlash.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a switch of the character described which is easily convertible from motor driven to manual operation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a switch of the character described which is adapted for remote operation.

A still further Objectof the present invention is to provide a switch of the character described having a simple operating mechanism within the enclosure of the switch.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the specification proceeds, and the new and useful'features thereof will be fully defined in the claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred form of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side elevation view, with portions broken away, of the switch of the present invention, taken approximately along the plane of lines 1-1 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional end elevation view, with portions broken away, taken approximately along the plane of lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken approximately along the plane of lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view taken approximately along the plane of lines 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, with portions broken away, corresponding to the lower left corner of FIG. 1, showing a modified form;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational cross-section view of the motor operator for the switch;

FIG. 7 is a plan cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention} FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view with portions broken away corresponding approximately to the upper right corner of FIG. 1, showing a modified form; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view with portions broken away corresponding approximately to the upper right corner of FIG. 1, showing another modified form.

While only the preferred forms of the present invention have been shown here, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be made within the scope of the claims attached hereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS tively, and a first power transmission member 21. The

second toggle mechanism 17 has a second power transmission member 22, and has an operative connection to the switch means 14 to open and close the switch means.

The operating mechanism 12 also includes a lostmotion connection 23 between the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 19 to selectively transmit motion between them. A portion of the first operating member 18 generally indicated at is adapted for engagement by a source of motive power, and as shown here, passes from the interior of the enclosure 13 to the exterior. The second operating member 19 is attached to the first toggle mechanism 16 to move that mechanism past its over-center point. The first power transmission member 21 is also connected to the first toggle mechanism 16, so that it moves in response to the movement of the first toggle mechanism. The first power transmission member 21 and the second power transmission member 22 are connected to transmit the force of the movement of the first toggle mechanism to the second toggle mechanism to cause it to operate and thereby open and close the switch 14.

In the preferred embodiment, the connection between the first and second

power transmission members

21 and 22 is a second lost-motion connection generally indicated at 24. Since the toggle mechanisms are within the enclosure, the passing of the portion 20 of the first operating member 18 through the wall of the enclosure 13 to the exterior permits operation of the switch 14 from outside the enclosure. The first and second toggle mechanisms shown here are both of the basic over-center type having two stable positions. The first and second operating members 18' and 19 coact to form a means effective to move the first toggle mechanism 16 between its two stable positions, and the first and second

power transmission members

21 and 22 coact to form a means effective to move the second toggle mechanism 17 between its two stable positions.

Since the connection between the first and

second operating members

18 and 19 is a lost motion connection, the speed of motion of the first toggle mechanism 16 is rendered independent of the speed of motion of the first operating member 18 after the toggle mecha nism 16 passes its over-center point. Likewise, the

' speed of motion of the second toggle mechanism 17 is rendered independent of the speed of motion of the first toggle mechanism 16 after the second toggle mechanism 17 passes its over-center point.

The independence of speed of motion produced by' the two lost motion connections serves two purposes. The first is to permit the most rapid possible action by the second toggle mechanism in opening the switches by providing high biasing force for the second toggle mechanism and permitting that high force to accelerate the second toggle mechanism, after the over-center point is passed, free of mechanical hindrance posed by any inertia in the remainder of the operating mechanism. Similar freedom of action after the over-center point is passed is given to the first toggle mechanism for the same reason, namely to speed its motion by relieving it of connection with linkage which would otherwise slow that motion.

The second purpose of the lost-motion connections is to protect the switch operator, either motor or human, from the backlash force generated in the snap action of the toggles. Without this protection, wear on the gear train of the motoroperator would be excessive,

and manual operation would pose a danger of injury to" a human operator through transmission of one or more sudden mechanical jolts to the operating handle.

The switch 11 is intended for both manual and motor operation, and for motor operation includes a motor operator mechanism generally indicated at 26 in FIG. 6. The motor operator mechanism 26 is pivotally mounted on the outside of the enclosure 13 by a hinge structure 27, and can be pivotally moved about the axis defined by the hinge structure 27 to provide selective engagement and disengagement between the motor operator 26 and the first operating member 18. To form the engageable parts, the portion 20 of the'first operating member 18 extending outside the enclosure 13 includes an elongate channel-shaped handle member 28 attached to a short shaft member 29, which is journalled in turn in a sealed bearing member 31 which passes through the wall of the enclosure 13. The handle member 28 is swung through a short are to rotate the shaft 29 and actuate the remainder of the operating mechanism 12 within the enclosure.

The motor operator 26 is equipped with an elongate member or bar 32 attached to its rotary output shaft 33, with the bar 32 being of a shape and dimension to engage the handle member 28 by fitting within the channel of the handle member when oriented to lie colinear with the handle member 28(This engagement provides the operating connection between the motor operator 26 and the first operating member 18 when the motor operator 26 is pivoted toward the enclosure 13 and held in that position. The motor operator 26 is disengaged by pivotal motion away from the enclosure 13 so that the bar 32 slips approximately axially of the shaft 29 out of the channel of the handle 28.

The motor operator 26 includes a submersible enclosure 34 housing an electric motor 36, a gear train 37.

driven by the motor 36, and the output shaft 33, driven by a cogged belt 38 which passes around cogged

pulleys

39 and 41 on the output shaft of the gear train 37 and the output shaft 33 respectively. The output shaft 33 is joumalled in a sealing bearing 42 which passes through the wall of the enclosure 34, and at its other end in a bearing 43 fixed to the opposite wall of the enclosure 34. A limit switch 44 is actuated by a cam member 46 on the shaft 33 to stop the motor at each end of the are of travel of the bar member 32, and cause its direction to be reversed on subsequent energization.

The hinge structure 27 which attaches the motor operator 26 to the enclosure 13 is shown here as including a separable hinge 47, that is, a hinge having a removable pin so that the two leaves may be pulled apart. One leaf is attached securely to an angle bracket 48 which is, in turn, bolted to the enclosure 13. The other leaf is securely attached to the enclosure 34 of the motor operator, so that the bringing together of the two leaves and insertion of the hinge pin will pivotally attach the motor operator to the enclosure 13 of the switch. A second hinge structure 49 is placed higher up on the walls of the enclosures l3 and 34 and is similarly formed by a separable hinge 51 having one leaf fixed to an angle bracket 52 which is bolted in turn to the enclosure 13. Placement of the pin in the hinge 51 fixes the motor operator 26 in engagement with the handle 28 of the switch, and removal of the pin permits the motor operator 26 to be pivoted about the lower hinge 47 to disengage the bar 32 from the handle 28.

In situations where complete removal of the motor operator 26 is unlikely to be called for, the lower hinge 47 may be of the fixed-pin type. Other structures permitting the disengaging movement of the motor operator 26 may be substituted for the hinge structure 27, but the structure shown is preferred for reasons of simplicity and reliability. Likewise, other latch structures capable of holding and releasing the engagement of the motor operator 26 with the handle 28 may be substituted for the upper hinge 51 so long as they permit the selective holding and release desired, with the structure shown being preferred for the reasons given above. The motor operator 26 may also include an actuating switch (not shown) to start motor operation at the desired time, or such a switch may be remotely located to govern supply of power to the motor operator 26 via the power supply cable 53.

Within the enclosure 13 of the switch 11, the short shaft member 29 bears an arm 54 extending radially outward from the shaft 29. The arm 54 is pivotally attached by a pin 56 to the yoke 57 at the end of an actuating rod 58. The acutating rod 58 extends downwardly toward the second operating member 19, and the lower end of the rod 58 is hollow to receive in a telescoping fashion a stub shaft 59 which projects from a block 61. The block 61 is in turn pivotallyattached by a pin 62 to the bar member 63 which forms the second operat- The first toggle mechanism is moved from the position shown in FIG. 1 to its other stable state by the movement of the handle 28 from the horizontal position shown to a vertical position. This motion causes the arm 54 to move clockwise as seen from the handle 28 side of the tank 13, pulling the actuating rod 58 upward. The pin 66 will contact the bottom of the slot 64 to transmit the upward motion from the rod 58 to the block 61 and the bar member 63. The bar member moves counter-clockwise as seen in FIG. 1, carrying the bar members 69 which form one link of the toggle l6 counterclockwise with it.

As the bar members 69 pass the over-center point, the toggle 16 will snap quickly to its other stable state, that is, with the common point of the two

links

69 and 73, the pin 71, lying to the left of the vertical centerline running between the

shafts

76 and 67. During the snap motion, the pin 66 will fly vertically free in the slot 64, but the slot length is selected so that the pin will not travel far enough to contact the top of the slot 64 to transmit the toggle force back to the handle 28.

The first power transmission member 21 is formed by a bar member 77 rigidly attached to the shaft 67. The second power transmission member 22 .is an elongate bar 78 extending generally parallel to the floor of the enclosure 13. The first and second

power transmission members

21 and 22 are connected by the second lostmotion connection 24, formed by a pair of pins 79 attached to the bar 78 and extending transversely out from it to capture the bar 77 between them.

The elongate bar 78 acts at the elbow point of the second toggle mechanism 17 by being pivotally connected to a link member 81 which forms the first link of the second toggle 17 and also pivotally connected to a second link member 82 which forms the second link of the second toggle mechanism 17. The first link 81 is pivotally connected to the bar 78 by a pin 83 and to a channel member 84 which runs along the floor of the tank 13, by a pin 86. To facilitate support of the elongate bar 78, a second link 85 may be provided in parallel with the link 81, as shown near the left side of FIG. 1, with the same connections to the bar 78 and the tank 13.

The second link 82 is attached to the bar 78 by a pin 87 and to the movable portion 98 of the switch 14 by a pin 90. It is to be noted that the first link 81 and the second link 82 are attached to the bar 78 at different The bar member 63 is rigidly attached to a shaft 67 journalled in the walls of subframe 68 within the enclosure 13. A pair of bar members 69 which form one link of the first toggle mechanism 16 are rigidly attached to the shaft 67 at their lower ends, and pivotally attached to the other link of the first toggle mechanism by a pin 71 passing through their upper ends.

A sleeve 72 is journalled on the pin 71 and a shaft 73 I which forms the other link of the first toggle mechanism 16 is rigidly-attached to the sleeve 72. The end of the shaft 73' opposite the sleeve 72 is journalled for axial motion through an aperture 74 which passes points along the bar 78. The use of different points of attachment produces a simplified toggle structure of increased ruggedness. The application of force tothe second toggle 17 directly at the elbow point of the toggle by the elongate bar 78 produces the most effective leverage in moving the second toggle against a high biasing force.

A stop means 88 engages the elongate bar 78, as seen at the extreme. left of FIG. 1, so that leftward motion of the elongate bar 78 is halted when the second toggle mechanism is a short distance to the left of the vertical centerline, that is, just beyond the over-center point, of'

the second toggle mechanism 17, in the position shown in FIG. 1. Since this position is one in which the toggle mechanism 17 is near its maximum vertical extension, movement to this position closes the switch contacts of the switch'means 14.

The bistable, self positioning nature of the toggle mechanisms allows the switch 11 to operate without latches or sear pins. However, the provision of a latch means 89 in thc modification shown in FIG. allows the switch to be cocked and left for remote triggering, by engaging the latch means 89 with the elongate bar 78. This engagement permits selective retention of the bar in the switch closed position (the position shown in FIG. 1) in spite of the operation of the first toggle 16 into the position opposite that shown, that is, with the bar member 77 bearing against the right-hand member of the pair of pins 79 rather than the left-hand member. With the first toggle l6 pressing against the right hand pin 89 and the elongate bar 78 held against movement, motive force for operation of the switch is stored, as the first toggle is then unable to complete its motion, halting slightly beyond the over-center point without reaching its stable position beyond the over-center point. The latch means 89 may subsequently be actuated to release the elongate bar 78 and permit it to move to the right to open the switch 14.

The latch means shown in the present embodiment uses a movable latch dog member or latch tooth 92 selectively engageable with a detent means formed by a pin 93 depending from the elongate bar 78. A motive means 91 is attached to the latch tooth 92 to move it into and out of engagement with the detent means 93. As here shown, the motive means is a solenoid actuator 95 secured to the enclosure 13. Since the solenoid 95 is fastened to the interior of the enclosure 13, the latch dog 92 is fixed against movement with respect to the enclosure 13 in the direction of the bias'applied to the elongate bar 78. Thus engagement of the latch tooth92 with the pin 93 halts rightward (as seen in FIG. 1)

movement of the bar 78. The latch dog 92 is attached 7 to the moving armature of the solenoid 95, and the solenoid is positioned so that the dog 92 engages the detent 93 at one position of the armature and disengages I from the detent at another position of the armature.

The solenoid 91 is supplied with its actuating power through leads which pass through the wall of the tank 13 through appropriately sealed openings (not shown). The actuating power may be controlled locally to trigger release of the bar 78, as by supply from the truck of a work crew or from the output of a current transformer, or remotely from a central switchboard. An emergency manual control (not shown) by wire attached to the solenoid armature and extending througe a packing gland in the wall of the enclosure 13 may be provided if desired.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, three switches 14 are shown, as appropriate to use as an interrupter with the usual three-phase distribution system. It should however, be appreciated that the number of switches may vary from one, as shown in FIG. 7, to many. The switches 14 are of the vacuum interrupter type, operated by axial reciprocation of one end of the switch enclosure to move one contact within the vacuum chamber relative to a fixed contact. The switches 14 are mounted between two strips 94, of an insulating material of high dielectric and mechanical strength, suchas a glass fiber-polyester composition, which are each bolted at the left end as shown in FIG. 1 to a bracket member 96 secured to the left end of the enclosure 13, and at the right end to the subframe 68. The fixed portion 97 of each of the switches is in turn bolted to the insulating strip 94. The moveable portion 98 of the switch 14 is reciprocated up and down by the up and down reciprocation of the second link 82 of the second toggle 17, to which it is attached by pin '90.

The position of the second toggle 17 shown in FIG. 1 produces near maximum extension of the link 82 in the upward direction, since the stop 88 is encountered just beyond the over-center point, the point of maximum vertical extension of the upper end of the link 82. The other stable position of the second toggle 17 yields a lower position of the link 82 as the elongate bar 78 passes farther to the right of the over-center point in the second stable position than it passes to the left of the over-center point when in the position shown. The difference in vertical extension of the link 82 in the two stable positions of the toggle is selected to firmly close the contacts of the switch 14 with a high butting pressure in the position shown and to open the contacts a distance sufficient for positive and rapid are extension in the second stable position. Preservation of the vacuum seal of the switch 14 while permitting the movement of one contact is produced by a number of switch constructions, well-known in the vacuum switch art, among which is the use of a metal bellows structure of the type used in a Sylphon device.

One terminal of each switch 14 is connected at the top of the switch to a conductor stud 99 depending from the bottom of connecting sockets 111 mounted in the top plate 112 of the enclosure 13. The lower terminal of each switch 14 is connected by a conductor 113 to the connector stud 114 of connecting sockets 116 also mounted on the top plate 112. Insulating material is interposed between the lower terminal of the switch 14 and the second toggle mechanism 17, such as by forming the link 82 of high dielectric strengthmaterial.

The connecting sockets III and116 may be of any type suitablefor submersible, disconnectable and readily reconnectable service at voltage levels in the medium voltage range, over 600 v. and under 23,000 v.

Suitable connectors of that type include the ESNA c'onnectors disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,522,404 issued to the present applicant. The tank is customarily filled with a dielectric oil material. Brackets 117 are mounted alongside the connecting

sockets

111 and 116, to which an insulator can be temporarily mounted to provide a parking stand to receive the unplugged cables after they are disconnected from the

sockets

111 and 116. V

A modification of the first operating member 18 is shown in the fragmentary view of FIG. 8. In this modification, a shaft 132 equivalent to the short shaft 29 of the first embodiment extends to the left as shown and bears at its left end one member of a pair of bevel gears 133. That bevel gear meshes with the other member of the pair 133, which is borne by a short shaft 134 which extends through a sealing bearing 136 mounted in the top plate 112, to the exterior of the enclosure 13. The short shaft terminates at its upper end in a' ring or eye 137. This modification is appropriate for operation by manual turning of a hotstick (not shown) having its hook inserted through the eye 137.

Another modification of the first operating member 18 for hotstick,operation is shown in the fragmentary view of FIG. 9, corresponding to FIG. 8, In this form, the handle member 28 is mounted on one wall of a compartment or penthouse 138 and turned to one side'from the form shown in FIG. 1-4. The actuating rod 58 is lengthened to extend up into the compartment 138, where it connects to the arm 54 borne by the shaft 2.9.The shaft 29 passes through the sealed bearing 31 in the rear wall of the compartment 138, and is connected to the handle 28 outside. This form allows both hand and hotstick operation from the top of the tank 13 so that the power cables may be disposed around the sides of the tank 13 without obstruction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the switch 14 and its operating mechanism 12 form part of a fused test switch. As before, the apparatus is contained in a submersible enclosure 118 with submersible connecting sockets 119 essentially similar to the

sockets

111 and 116 for connecting the input and output cables to the apparatus. The first toggle mechanism 16 is essentially the same throughout as in the preceding embodiment, and the elongate bar 78 and the first link 81 of the second toggle mechanism 17 are likewise essentially the same and hence carry the same numbers as in the preceding embodiment. The second link 121 of the second toggle 17 shown here is also similar to the second link 82 of the preceding embodiment, but is longer and has an insulating member 122 interposed along its length to provide additional isolation as appropriate to use as a test switch device. The mode of connection of the second link 121 to. the switch 14 is the same as in the preceding embodiment and therefore bears the same numbers. The moveable portion 98 is pivotally connected to the link 121 by a pin 90 as before.

The fixed portion 97 of the switch 14 is mounted to the enclosure 13 in a slightly different fashion than in the preceding embodiment, by a standoff insulator 123 bolted to the fixed portion 97 and to a channel member 124 which runs along one side of the enclosure 118. A conductor 125 connects one terminal of the switch 14 to the socket 119, and the other terminal of the switch 14 is connected directly by a bracket 126 to one terminal of a high voltage, high current fuse 127. The other terminal of the fuse 127 is connected to a bracket 128 mounted on a standoff insulator 129 similar to the standoff insulator 123. The standoff insulator 129 is bolted to the channel member 124, and a conductor 131 extends from the bracket 128 to the connecting socket 119'. Only one switch 14 is used in the present embodiment, as such test switches are usually used with only a single line at a time, to detect heavy faulting in the line by blowing the fuse 127;

In the present embodiment, a portion of the enclosure 118 may be made hinged and bolted down to allow easier access to the interior of the enclosure for replacement of the fuse 127. Theenclosure 118 may be filled with dielectric fluid, or may be air filled for convenience of replacement of the fuse 127.

From the foregoing, it may be seen that a submersible switch and operating mechanism has been provided which combines prevention of teasing with ease of manual operation despite the high contact pressures used. The switch is easily converted from motor to manual operation, and may be triggered remotely. Both the human and the motor operator are shielded from backlash, and the switch has a simple and economically constructed operating mechanism, contained within an entirely self-weatherproofing enclosure equipped with readily releasable and reconnectable totally weatherproof connectors for the power cables.

I claim: a

1. An operating mechanism for a medium voltage switch in a submersible enclosure and the like, comprising I a first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism having two stable positions,

means for selectively moving said first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism between said stable positions, and

a second toggle mechanism connectable to the mesaid bar at one end of said link and pivotally con nected to said enclosure at the other end of said link, and a second link pivotally connected to said bar at one end of said second link and pivotally connected at the other end of said second link to said switch means to close same in one of said stable positions and open same in the other of said stable positions.

2. An operating mechanism for medium voltage switches as described in claim 1 and wherein said means for selectively moving said first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism comprises a first operating member engageable bya source of motive power, I

a second operating member attached to said first toggle mechanism, and

a lost-motion connection between said first operating member and said second operating member, whereby the speed of motion of said first toggle mechanism is rendered independent of the speed of motion of said first operating member after said first toggle mechanism passes its over-center point.

3. An operating mechanism for medium voltage switches as described in claim 1 and wherein said first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism comprises a power transfer member connected to said power transmission member associated with said second toggle mechanism by a lost motion connection whereby the speeds of motion of said first and second toggle mechanisms are rendered independent of each other.

4. A medium voltage submersible switch, comprising a submersible enclosure,

a medium voltage switch means contained within said enclosure,

a first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism having first and second operating members and a first power transmission member,

a second toggle mechanism having a second power transmission member comprising an elongate bar acting at the elbow point of said second toggle mechanism,

said second toggle mechanism comprising a first link pivotally connected to said bar at one end of said passes from the interior to the exterior of said submersible enclosure for engagement outside said enclosure to operate said first toggle mechanism, said first toggle mechanism being contained within said submersible enclosure.

6. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim and wherein a portion of said first operating member extending on the exterior of said enclosure is formed-as a rotable shaft, rotation of which willcause motion of said first operating member, the terminus of said shaft outside said enclosure being formed into an eye loop for engagement by a remote operating tool such as a hot stick; a V 7 r 7. A medium voltage submersible switchas described in claim 5 and wherein said switch further comprises a motor operator mechanism pivotally mounted on the outside of said enclosure and selectively engageable with said first operating member outside said enclosure to move said first toggle mechanism, said selective engagement being provided by motion about said pivotal mounting.

8. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 7 and wherein said first operating member comprises an elongate channel member pivotally mounted on theexterior of said enclosure and communicating mechanically with the interior of said enclosure, and said motor operator mechanism comprises an elongate member lying substantially co-linear with said elongate channel member when said motor operator mechanism is engaged with said first operating member and formed to engage said elongate channel member when brought into substantially co-linear relation therewith to transmit motive force from said motor operator mechanism to said first operating member, whereby said elongate channel member and said elongate member of said motor operator mechanism may be selectively disengaged to'permit use of said elongate channel member as a manual operating handle for said switch.

9. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 4 and wherein said switch means comprises a plurality of switches each actuated by said second toggle mechanism.

10. A medium power submersible switch as described in claim 4 and wherein said second link is pivotally attached at one end thereof to'said bar at a point along said bar other than the point of pivotal attachment of said first link thereto.

11. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 4, further comprising a stop means adapted to engage said elongate bar to halt motion'of said bar just beyond the over-center point of said sec- 0nd toggle mechanism in the direction which closes said switch.

12. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 4 further comprising a latch means engageable with said elongate bar to selectively retain said bar in the position in which said switch is closed despite movement of said first toggle'mechanisrn in. the

opening direction, whereby said first toggle mechanism may beoperated to bias said elongate bar toward the position in which said switches are opened without moving said bar to said position, andsaid latch means may be subsequently triggered to release said bar to move under said bias toward the'position in which said switch is opened.

13. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 12 and wherein said latch means comprises a detent means formed on said elongate bar, a moveable latch dog member selectively engageable with said detent means, and motive means attached to said latch dog member for moving same into and out of engagement with said detent means, said latch dog member being so fixed against movement with respect to said enclosure in the direction of the bias applied to saidelongate bar as to prevent movement of said elongate bar in the direction of said bias when said latch bog member is engaged with said detent.

14. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 13 and wherein said motive means comprises a solenoid actuator mounted on the interior of said enclosure and having said latch dog member attached to the moving armature thereof, said latch dog member engaging said detent at one position of the moving armature of said solenoid and disengaging from said detent at anotherposition of said armature.

Claims

1. An operating mechanism for a medium voltage switch in a submersible enclosure and the like, comprising a first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism having two stable positions, means for selectively moving said first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism between said stable positions, and a second toggle mechanism connectable to the medium voltage switch and having two stable positions and a power transmission member, said power transmission member comprising an elongate bar acting at the elbow point of said second toggle mechanism and connected to said first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism for lost motion actuation thereby said second toggle mechanism comprising a first link pivotally connected to said bar at one end of said link and pivotally connected to said enclosure at the other end of said link, and a second link pivotally connected to said bar at one end of said second link and pivotally connected at the other end of said second link to said switch means to close same in one of said stable positions and open same in the other of said stable positions.

2. An operating mechanism for medium voltage switches as described in claim 1 and wherein said means for selectively moving said first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism comprises a first operating member engageable by a source of motive power, a second operating member attached to said first toggle mechanism, and a lost-motion connection between said first operating member and said second operating member, whereby the speed of motion of said first toggle mechanism is rendered independent of the speed of motion of said first operating member after said first toggle mechanism passes its over-center point.

4. A medium voltage submersible switch, comprising a submersible enclosure, a medium voltage switch means contained within said enclosure, a first spring loaded overcenter toggle mechanism having first and second operating members and a first power transmission member, a second toggle mechanism having a second power transmission member comprising an elongate bar acting at the elbow point of said second toggle mechanism, said second toggle mechanism comprising a first link pivotally connected to said bar at one end of said link and pivotally connected to said enclosure at the other end of said link, and a second link pivotally connected to said bar at one end of said second link and pivotally connected at the other end of said second link to said switch means to open and close same, and a lost-motion connection between said first and second operating members for selectively transmitting motion therebetween, said first operating member having a portion thereof adapted for engagement by a source of motive power, said second operating member being connected to said first toggle mechanism to move said first toggle mechanism past its overcenter point, said first power transmission member being connected to said first toggle mechanism for movement in response to movement of said first toggle mechanism, said first and second power transmission members being connected to transmit force from said first toggle mechanism to said second toggle mechanism to open and close said switch.

5. A medium voltage submersible switch as Described in claim 4 and wherein said first and second power transmission members are connected by a second lost motion connection and said first operating member passes from the interior to the exterior of said submersible enclosure for engagement outside said enclosure to operate said first toggle mechanism, said first toggle mechanism being contained within said submersible enclosure.

6. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 5 and wherein a portion of said first operating member extending on the exterior of said enclosure is formed as a rotable shaft, rotation of which will cause motion of said first operating member, the terminus of said shaft outside said enclosure being formed into an eye loop for engagement by a remote operating tool such as a hot stick.

7. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 5 and wherein said switch further comprises a motor operator mechanism pivotally mounted on the outside of said enclosure and selectively engageable with said first operating member outside said enclosure to move said first toggle mechanism, said selective engagement being provided by motion about said pivotal mounting.

8. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 7 and wherein said first operating member comprises an elongate channel member pivotally mounted on the exterior of said enclosure and communicating mechanically with the interior of said enclosure, and said motor operator mechanism comprises an elongate member lying substantially co-linear with said elongate channel member when said motor operator mechanism is engaged with said first operating member and formed to engage said elongate channel member when brought into substantially co-linear relation therewith to transmit motive force from said motor operator mechanism to said first operating member, whereby said elongate channel member and said elongate member of said motor operator mechanism may be selectively disengaged to permit use of said elongate channel member as a manual operating handle for said switch.

10. A medium power submersible switch as described in claim 4 and wherein said second link is pivotally attached at one end thereof to said bar at a point along said bar other than the point of pivotal attachment of said first link thereto.

11. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 4, further comprising a stop means adapted to engage said elongate bar to halt motion of said bar just beyond the over-center point of said second toggle mechanism in the direction which closes said switch.

12. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 4 further comprising a latch means engageable with said elongate bar to selectively retain said bar in the position in which said switch is closed despite movement of said first toggle mechanism in the opening direction, whereby said first toggle mechanism may be operated to bias said elongate bar toward the position in which said switches are opened without moving said bar to said position, and said latch means may be subsequently triggered to release said bar to move under said bias toward the position in which said switch is opened.

13. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claim 12 and wherein said latch means comprises a detent means formed on said elongate bar, a moveable latch dog member selectively engageable with said detent means, and motive means attached to said latch dog member for moving same into and out of engagement with said detent means, said latch dog member being so fixed against movement with respect to said enclosure in the direction of the bias applied to said elongate bar as to prevent movement of said elongate bar in the direction of said bias when said latch bog member is engaged with said detent.

14. A medium voltage submersible switch as described in claIm 13 and wherein said motive means comprises a solenoid actuator mounted on the interior of said enclosure and having said latch dog member attached to the moving armature thereof, said latch dog member engaging said detent at one position of the moving armature of said solenoid and disengaging from said detent at another position of said armature.