US3922562A

US3922562A - Gas operator for an electric switch device

Info

Publication number: US3922562A
Application number: US529348A
Authority: US
Inventors: Norman W Stunkard
Original assignee: Allis Chalmers Corp
Current assignee: Allis Chalmers Corp
Priority date: 1974-12-04
Filing date: 1974-12-04
Publication date: 1975-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-25

Abstract

A simplified gas actuated switch operator is provided which utilizes a convenient source of gas pressure that is obtainable as an off-the-shelf item. The actuator is controlled by valves that are selectively actuated by signals from a remote source.

Description

United States Patent Stunkard 1 1 Nov. 25 1975 GAS OPERATOR FOR AN ELECTRIC [56] References Cited SWITCH DEVICE UNITED STATES PATENTS [75] inventor: Norman W. Stunkard, Lake 3,0l4 l36 1/1962 Leimkuhler v. 307/64 Oswe 0 Ore 3,761,735 9/1973 Turner et al 1. 307/112 [73] Assgnee: g m xr Primary ExaminerHerman Hohauser Attorney, Agent, or Firm-R0bert C. Jones [22] Filed: Dec. 4, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 529,348 [571 ABSTRACT A simplified gas actuated switch operator is provided which utilizes a convenient source of gas pressure that i g ugi is obtainable as an off-the-shelf itemv The actuator is Fie'ld H2 H6 controlled by valves that are selectively actuated by signals from a remote source.

5 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 GAS OPERATOR FOR AN ELECTRIC SWITCH DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION available due to poor efficiency. Other disadvantages l of prior operators are poor reliability due to the many components that are necessary to construct the operators. Still another disadvantage is the high cost of the operator due to the many special components.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to stored energy power operators for operating distribution switches by remote signal during power outages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Gas under relatively high pressure for operating the switch actuating motor is supplied from a portable cylinder or tank and controlled by a regulator so that the system is always ready. An input signal via telephone line, radio link or local control activates a valve to thereby permit gas under pressure to flow to one side of an actuator piston. Movement of the piston in the one direction in cooperation with appropriate levers and links effects an opening movement of an air break switch. An interlock effects the deenergization of the supply valve and connects the pressurized side of the cylinder to exhaust to set the system for a switch closing operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view with protective cover broken away to show the internal arrangement of the switch operator; and,

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the control circuit for controlling the valves associated with the switch operator of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawing, an operating means is disclosed which is particularly well suited for mounting on a utility pole 11 or the like. As shown, the operating means 10 is supported by a bracket or frame member 12 that is suitably secured to the pole 11. In the present instance, the bracket 12 is a U-shaped channel member to which a housing 14 comprising a vertical extending back plate 16 is welded or otherwise secured. The plate 16 is provided with

vertical side members

17 and 18 which serve to support a top plate 19 and a bottom shelf plate 21. An input lever 23 is mounted on and secured to the extending end of the drive shaft 24 that is rotatably supported by a bearing assembly bracket 26. The bearing assembly bracket 26 is secured as by bolts to the front surface of the plate 16. The lever 23 is secured to the extending end of the shaft 24 so as to effect rotation of the shaft whenever the lever 23 is rotated. The shaft 24 extends through a suitable opening provided in the plate 16 and engages with and is secured to a lever 27 in a manner to effect the pivotal movement of the lever. The free end of the lever 27 has a pivotal connection with the lower end of a control pipe stud 28 that is adjustably secured and fitted on the lower end of a vertical actuating rod 29. The upper end of the actuating rod 29 is suitably connected by actuating levers and linkages to a distribution switch for effecting the opening and closing of the contacts thereof. Since the switch to which the actuating rod 29 is connected is not a part of the present invention. it is deemed unnecessary to describe or show such switch as these are well known in the art. Operation of the lever 23 for effecting the vertical movement of the rod 29 in a switch opening or closing operation is effected by means ofa double-acting cylinder mechanism 31 which is suitably secured to the upper plate 19. To this purpose, the mechanism 31 is provided with an axially extending lug 32 that has pivotal engagement with a depending lug 33 welded or otherwise secured to the under surface of the plate 19. A piston 36 is supported for reciprocable movement within the cylinder 34. The lower end of the piston 36 is provided with a rod 37 which extends outwardly of the lower axial end of the cylinder 34. The extending or outer end of the rod 37 is provided with a clevis bracket 38 in which the upper free end 39 of the lever 23 is pivotally connected. Thus, downward movement of the piston 36 will effect the rotational movement of the lever 23 in a clockwise direction, thereby effecting the rotation for lever 27, also in a clockwise direction. This movement serves to pull the rod 29 downwardly to effect an opening operation of the switch. On the other hand, with the piston 36 in its lowermost position, pressure fluid to the rod side of the piston will effect the upward movement of the piston 36 thereby effecting the counterclockwise rotation of the lever 23 and a similar counterclockwise movement of the lever 27 to force the rod 29 upwardly, thereby effecting a closing operation of the switch.

Energization of the motor means 31 is accomplished by means of a source of pressure 41 which is easily transportable and replaceable. As shown, the source of pressure is a pressure tank 42 containing a suitable fluid under pressure, preferably a gas. The gas within the cylinder tank 42 is under a pressure of approximately 2,000 p.s.i., which pressure is higher than can be readily utilized within the operator 31. Thus, the gas is distributed from the tank 42 to the cylinder 31 via a cutoff and pressure regulator 43 which may be preset to establish a usable pressure and deliver such pressure to

valves

44 and 46. The

valves

44 and 46 are solenoid actuated valves, each of which are connected to be energized from a signal source such as obtained from a telephone circuit or a radio link or local control. As shown, the

valves

44 and 46 are secured to brackets 47 and 48, respectively, which, in turn, are secured as by being welded to the plate 16. The valve 44 is connected by means of a line 51 to the lower end of the cylinder 34 so as to be able to direct gas under pressure from the tank 42 to the rod side of the piston 36 therein whenever the solenoid valve is actuated. On the other hand, the solenoid actuated valve 46 is connected by a line 52 to the upper end of the cylinder so as to deliver gas under pressure to the head side of the piston 36 whenever it is actuated by a signal. The

valves

44 and 46 are so constructed that when deenergized they operate to connect the lines 5] and 52, respectively, to the atmosphere, thus relieving each side of the piston from any pressure thereon. Thus, if it is desired to effect the operation of the piston 36 for effecting an opening operation of the switch, the valve 46 will be energized thereby directing gas under pressure to the head end of the piston 36. When the piston 36 has been moved downwardly within the cylinder 34, under influence of the pressurized gas, thereby effecting the opening of the switch. the solenoid of the valve 46 will be deenergized to thereby vent the line 52 to atmosphere. In this condition, the mechanism is set for a return stoke. To operate the switch in a closing operation, it is only necessary that the solenoid associated with the valve 44 be energized by a signal obtained from the telephone line. With the solenoid associated with the valve 46 energized, gas under pressure will be directed to the rod side of piston 36 thereby forcing the piston upwardly within the cylinder 34 to effect the upward movement of the rod 29 thereby closing the switch. As soon as the switch closing operation has been accomplished, the solenoid associated with the valve 46 will be deenergized so that the line 51 is vented to atmosphere.

As previously mentioned, actuation of the

valves

44 and 46 is accomplished by a signal such as a signal from a telephone circuit. To this purpose a control circuit 60 is provided and connected to effect the selective energization of the solenoids associated with the

valves

44 and 46. As shown in FIG. 2, a signal from the

telephone line pair

62 and 63 is transmitted to an amplifying module, such as a McCloud module 65.

The electrical input to the circuit 60 is via the pair of telephone lines 62-63. The signal transmitted through these lines is originated by depressing a switch button (not shown). The signal from the lines 62-63 operates to deliver an input voltage of the right polarity to the McCloud module 65. Assuming that the operator is in the condition depicted in FIG. 1 wherein the switch device (not shown) is in closed position and that it is now desired to effect an opening operation of the switch device, a signal via the input lines 62-63 will initiate such action. This is true because a switch 70 having its actuating arm 71 connected to be moved by linkage 28 is in condition so that associated contacts 70A and 70B are in open position, as shown in FIG. 2. With the contacts 708 open, the solenoid associated with the valve 44 is deenergized and the valve is biased to its normal position blocking the flow of pressure fluid from the bottle 42 to the chamber on the rod side of the piston 36. In its normal position, the valve 44 operates to vent the chamber on the rod side of the piston 36 to atmosphere. Also, with the actuating arm 71 of the switch 70 in up position, contacts 70C, 70D and 70E are closed, thereby conditioning the circiut 60 for a subsequent operation for energizing the solenoid valve 46 to effect an opening operation of the switch device (not shown)v With this condition obtained, a signal via the telephone lines 62-63 will, after a time delay, turn on the gate ofthe SCR 74 in the McCloud module and the SCR conducts. This voltage discharges the capacitor 72 to energize the solenoid of the valve 46. The valve is now positioned to direct pressure fluid from the tank 42 to the chamber on the head side of the piston 36. Pressure fluid on the head side of the piston will effect operation of the actuator 31 to effect operation of the switch device in an opening operation. The actuating arm 71 of the switch 70 will be moved downwardly, thereby opening its

contacts

70C, 70D and 70B and closing its contacts 70A and 708. Opening of the contacts 706, 70!) and 70E will effect deenergization of the solenoid associated with the valve 46 and the 4 valve returns to its normal blocking position and also vents the chamber on the head side of the piston 36 to atmosphere. Thus, with the chamber on the head side of the piston 36 vented and the contacts A and 708 closed, the circuit 60 and the operator 10 are both conditioned for a subsequent closing operation.

From the foregoing description, it is apparent that an extremely simple but yet effective operator for actuating the remotely located switch is provided. The operator can be serviced and manufactured with off-the-shelf components and the source of pressure may be easily changed with a commercially available tank of pressurized gas readily available commercially.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as fol lows:

l. A switch operator apparatus for operating a switch device in opening and closing movements;

8. support bracket adapted to be mounted on other structure;

a reversible fluid motor;

mechanical means carried by said bracket connecting said fluid motor to the switch device;

a source of pressure fluid removably carried on said bracket;

a first solenoid operated valve connected to said source of pressure fluid and to one side of said fluid motor, said first valve being operable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source to said fluid motor to effect its operation in one direction to effect a closing operation of the switch device;

a second solenoid operated valve connected to said source of pressure fluid and to the second side of said fluid motor, said second valve being operable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source to said fluid motor to effect its operation in a second direction for effecting an opening operation of the switch device;

an electrical circuit means connected to selectively energize the solenoids of said first and second valve; and,

means connected to said electrical circuit means, said directive signals from a source and to decode the directive signal received for transmission to said electrical circuit means for the energization of a selected one of said first and second valves according to the directive signal received.

2. In a switch operator apparatus for operating a remotely located switch device in opening and closing movements;

a bracket adapted to be mounted on supporting structure;

a shaft rotatably supported by said bracket and having a first end and a second end, said first end of said shaft extending through said bracket;

a crank secured to the second end of said shaft in a manner to effect rotation of said shaft when said crank is rotated;

pressure actuated drive means carried by said bracket and operatively connected to effect rotation of said crank in a selected direction;

a source of pressure fluid removably carried by said bracket;

first valve carried by said bracket and operably connected to said source of pressure fluid and to said drive means, said first valve being operable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source to said drive means for effecting the operation of said drive means in a first direction for rotating said crank in a first direction;

a second valve carried by said bracket and operably connected to said source of pressure fluid and to said drive means, said second valve being operable when energized to direct pressure fluid from said source to said drive means for effecting the operation of said drive means in a second direction for rotation of said crank in a second direction;

a lever secured to the extending first end of said shaft for movement with said shaft; and

a switch actuating rod connected to said lever and to the switch device;

whereby selective energization of said first and second valves will operate to effect the movement of said switch actuating rod in a selected direction for effecting the opening and closing of said switch device selectively.

3. In a switch operator apparatus for operating a switch device in opening and closing movement s;

a supportive bracket adapted to be mounted on other structures;

a drive shaft journaled in said bracket;

an actuating rod operably connected to be moved axially by said drive shaft to a first position or to a second position, said actuating rod being operably connected to the switch device;

a pressure receiving cylinder carried by said brackets;

a piston within said cylinder for axial movement therein;

a piston rod secured to said piston and extending outwardly of said cylinder;

a connector secured to the extending end of said piston rod;

means connecting said connector to said shaft in a manner that movement of said piston in a first direction will effect rotation of said drive shaft in a first rotational direction to thereby move said actuating rod in a first axial direction for closing the switch device. or movement of said piston in a second direction will effect rotation of said drive shaft in a second rotational direction to thereby move said actuating rod in a second axial direction for opening the switch device;

a source of pressure fluid comprising a portable tank of fluid under pressure carried by said bracket;

a first solenoid actuated flow control valve carried by said bracket and operatively connected between said tank and a first end of said cylinder, said first valve being normally operative to block pressure fluid flow from said tank to said first end of said cylinder and to vent said first end of said cylinder,

said first valve being operable when its associated solenoid is energized to direct a flow of pressure fluid from said tank to said first end of said cylinder to thereby effect movement of said piston in a first direction;

a second solenoid actuated flow control valve carried by said bracket and operatively connected between said tank of pressure fluid and a second end of said cylinder, said second valve being normally operative to block the flow of pressure fluid from said tank to said second end of said cylinder and to vent said second end of said cylinder, said first valve being operable when its associated solenoid is energized to direct pressure fluid from said tank to said second end of said cylinder to thereby effect movement of said piston in a second direction;

whereby said actuating rod may be moved axially in a selected direction for operating the switch device between open and closed positions by the selective operation of said flow control valves and said source of pressure fluid may be easily renewed in the field as is necessary,

4. A switch operator apparatus for opening and closing an electrical switch device comprising a reversible fluid motor;

mechanical linkage operably connecting said fluid an electrical circuit means operably connected to effect selective energization of the solenoids of said first and second valves, said electrical circuit means being connected to receive a selective energizing signal from a source.

A switch operator apparatus according to claim 4 wherein there is provided a weather housing for enclosing and supporting the switch operator, said weather housing being adapted to be mounted on support structure; and,

said source or pressure fluid being a portable tank containing gas under pressure connected to said valves through a pressure regulator.

Claims

1. A switch operator apparatus for operating a switch dEvice in opening and closing movements; a support bracket adapted to be mounted on other structure; a reversible fluid motor; mechanical means carried by said bracket connecting said fluid motor to the switch device; a source of pressure fluid removably carried on said bracket; a first solenoid operated valve connected to said source of pressure fluid and to one side of said fluid motor, said first valve being operable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source to said fluid motor to effect its operation in one direction to effect a closing operation of the switch device; a second solenoid operated valve connected to said source of pressure fluid and to the second side of said fluid motor, said second valve being operable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source to said fluid motor to effect its operation in a second direction for effecting an opening operation of the switch device; an electrical circuit means connected to selectively energize the solenoids of said first and second valve; and, means connected to said electrical circuit means, said directive signals from a source and to decode the directive signal received for transmission to said electrical circuit means for the energization of a selected one of said first and second valves according to the directive signal received.

2. In a switch operator apparatus for operating a remotely located switch device in opening and closing movements; a bracket adapted to be mounted on supporting structure; a shaft rotatably supported by said bracket and having a first end and a second end, said first end of said shaft extending through said bracket; a crank secured to the second end of said shaft in a manner to effect rotation of said shaft when said crank is rotated; pressure actuated drive means carried by said bracket and operatively connected to effect rotation of said crank in a selected direction; a source of pressure fluid removably carried by said bracket; first valve carried by said bracket and operably connected to said source of pressure fluid and to said drive means, said first valve being operable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source to said drive means for effecting the operation of said drive means in a first direction for rotating said crank in a first direction; a second valve carried by said bracket and operably connected to said source of pressure fluid and to said drive means, said second valve being operable when energized to direct pressure fluid from said source to said drive means for effecting the operation of said drive means in a second direction for rotation of said crank in a second direction; a lever secured to the extending first end of said shaft for movement with said shaft; and a switch actuating rod connected to said lever and to the switch device; whereby selective energization of said first and second valves will operate to effect the movement of said switch actuating rod in a selected direction for effecting the opening and closing of said switch device selectively.

3. In a switch operator apparatus for operating a switch device in opening and closing movements; a supportive bracket adapted to be mounted on other structures; a drive shaft journaled in said bracket; an actuating rod operably connected to be moved axially by said drive shaft to a first position or to a second position, said actuating rod being operably connected to the switch device; a pressure receiving cylinder carried by said brackets; a piston within said cylinder for axial movement therein; a piston rod secured to said piston and extending outwardly of said cylinder; a connector secured to the extending end of said piston rod; means connecting said connector to said shaft in a manner that movement of said piston in a first direction will effect rotation of said drive shaft in a first rotational direction to thereby move said actuating Rod in a first axial direction for closing the switch device, or movement of said piston in a second direction will effect rotation of said drive shaft in a second rotational direction to thereby move said actuating rod in a second axial direction for opening the switch device; a source of pressure fluid comprising a portable tank of fluid under pressure carried by said bracket; a first solenoid actuated flow control valve carried by said bracket and operatively connected between said tank and a first end of said cylinder, said first valve being normally operative to block pressure fluid flow from said tank to said first end of said cylinder and to vent said first end of said cylinder, said first valve being operable when its associated solenoid is energized to direct a flow of pressure fluid from said tank to said first end of said cylinder to thereby effect movement of said piston in a first direction; a second solenoid actuated flow control valve carried by said bracket and operatively connected between said tank of pressure fluid and a second end of said cylinder, said second valve being normally operative to block the flow of pressure fluid from said tank to said second end of said cylinder and to vent said second end of said cylinder, said first valve being operable when its associated solenoid is energized to direct pressure fluid from said tank to said second end of said cylinder to thereby effect movement of said piston in a second direction; whereby said actuating rod may be moved axially in a selected direction for operating the switch device between open and closed positions by the selective operation of said flow control valves and said source of pressure fluid may be easily renewed in the field as is necessary.

4. A switch operator apparatus for opening and closing an electrical switch device comprising a reversible fluid motor; mechanical linkage operably connecting said fluid motor to the switch device; a source of pressure fluid; a first solenoid actuated valve connected to receive pressure fluid from said source and to direct the pressure fluid to one end of said fluid motor, said first valve being normally operable to vent said one end of said fluid motor to atmosphere; a second solenoid actuated valve connected to receive pressure fluid from said source and direct said pressure fluid to a second end of said fluid motor, said second valve being normally operable to vent said second end of said fluid motor to atmosphere; and, an electrical circuit means operably connected to effect selective energization of the solenoids of said first and second valves, said electrical circuit means being connected to receive a selective energizing signal from a source.

5. A switch operator apparatus according to claim 4 wherein there is provided a weather housing for enclosing and supporting the switch operator, said weather housing being adapted to be mounted on support structure; and, said source or pressure fluid being a portable tank containing gas under pressure connected to said valves through a pressure regulator.