US1793797A - Switch - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 24, 1931 w. o. HAMPTQN Erm. 1,793,797

` swITcH Original Filed Sept'. 27, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 24,V 1931.l w. o. HAMPTQN ETAL i 1,793,797

SWITCH Original Filed Sept. 27, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 24, 1931 STAT FLFIQ'M i VELDAOT 0. HAMPTON AND Ell-MINE JQ THOMPSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSEGNORS 'ro Tira nanna ILLINOIS STAR ELECTRCCO., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOS, A CGREJORTGN OF @riginal application filed September 27, 1926, Serial No. 137,930, now` Patent No. 1,711,229, dated April 30, 1929. Divided and this application led August 22, 19238.` Serial No. 301,242.`

rlhis application is adivision ot our copendinp; application, Serial No. 137,930, filed September. 2C", 1326, now Fat-ent 1,711,229

dated April 30, 1929; i

@ur invention relates to electrical switch mechanism and more particularly to a oi' switches ot our intention which we prefer` i ably term horiziontal-vertical switches.

recent times the transmission of power having high voltages has become a reality and engineers are constantly striving` to meet and improve theconditions surrounding the use of high voltagejtransmission lines. Ob-

viously, the increase in voltages necessitated that Athe dimensions and striking distances or" theswitch parts keep pace therewith. This is particularly trueof disconnect switches which are usually associated with the power lines in exposed condition. y

New in three-phase power lines, the disconnect switches are associated therewith in multiple or in banks ot three switches, one for each line. It has been the practice in operating switches, especially those of the rotary insulator type, to move the switch blade of each switch in substantially one plane, either a horizontal or a vertical plane, `as the case may be. When the switch is in an opened condition, its blade will naturally be in a `proxima-te position to the terminals of the adjacentswitch. Then, too, in a disconnect switch it is necessary to more the blade to a `position at least as distantfrom the aired i i 35.fte'rrninal as the end ot the pivot termina-l as` sociated with the blade.

Y In order to make this possible in a bank oi' three switches oit the rotary insulator type, the central switch is usu lly separated on each side from the adjacent switches by a distance great enough. to accon'nnodate the full length This results in such` of the switch blade. y switches occupying; considerable space and necessitating1 a relatively large mounting for each bank ot three disconnect switches which is not a desirable feature in the switch art.

TW e propose to remedy `the above undesirable condition by providing a switch of the rotary insulator type wherein the blade is `adapted to be swung `from one plane to antal plane to a Vertical plane. ln our novel switch construction the blade is mounted in such a manner upon the hinge terminal that it is adapted wach actuated to be swung from a plane parallel. to the base to a plane substantially at right angles thereto. lt will be evident that in a bank ot switches embodying' the features oit our invention, the switches may be positioned closer together, thereby ref lucing the size oit mounting necessary for the bank of switches and thus resulting in economy as 'far as space concerned.

ln accordance with the features of our invention, we provide a switch wherein the blade is mounted in such a manner upon a rotary insulator, that upon motion being imparted `as well as an iin'iroyed non-treezable support therefor, both or" our invention. Incidentally,` we contemplate. the provision of self-aligning cont-acts adapted to cooperate with the switch blade in such manner as to insure a n'ood electrical connection therebetween.

Other objects and advantages oi the present invention will` more .telly appear from the followingr detailed descriyjition taken in connection with the `accompanying drawings' which illustrate several embodiments thereot and in which Fia'. l is an elevation of a switch embodyinpj the 'features of our invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan View of the selfaligning contact hat terminal shown in n 1 Elfi. i;

3 is another enlarged View of the saine stationary terminal as illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. L1- is an enlargedplan view of the .mounting of the switch blade illustrated in l5 5 of rig. i niusaaang the bevuta gear mechanism for actuating the switch blade.

The switch as thus shown in Fig. 1 comprises a supporting beam 230 and a vpair of spaced vertical insulators 231 andV 232. The

yinsulator 232'is attached to a base 2.33 secured to the support 230. Mounted upon the top of theinsulator 232 is a contact terminal device designated generally by theV reference Vcharacter '235. This device includes an arcing horn 236. Connected to this device is an end of an electrical transmission line 237.

Reference may now be had to Figs. 2 and 3 wherein the construction of the contact terminal 235 is shown in detail. The terminal includes a pair of pivotally mounted contact locks 240 to each of which is connected an electrical conductor 241. The blocks are adapted to cooperate with the switch blade to establish an electrical connection. 'lt

should be notedat this time that the bloclrs are adapted to lbe spread apart in order to l. permit ofthe blade being placed intermetimes urgedv toward each other by the diate them.

Associated with each of the bloclis is a resilient element 242 which has an aperture 243 for accommodating a yprojection 244 integral with the outer face of the block. The projco tion 244 cooperates with the element 242 to support the'bloclr 240. That is to say, they solo supporttor the block is allorded by theV terminalV iece246V are all positioned inter mediate the ends of the pair oiilresilient elements 242. Moreover, the conductors 241, the resilient elements 242, and the terminal piece 246, are all fastened to the top of the insulator 232 by means of a clamping plate 247 and a pair oii'bolts 248. Y Y The resilient? elements 242 are adapted to at all times urge the blocks 240 vtoward each other. Y Furthermore, when the free end ot the switch 4blade is positioned intermediate the blocksv the resilient elements serve to force the vblocks into engagement with the switch" .Y

blade to' establish a gocdpfelectrical connection therebetween. f The blocks are permitted to roclrv freely upon their pivotal mountings and are thus enabled to accommodate themselvesfjwithfacility to the surface of the lfree ends of the switch blades. ln other wordsthe blocks are self-aligning and are Vthus capable oi at all tinies tightly engaging the switch blades. llasteiied to the terminal piece 246 by bolts 249 is a terminal lug 250 in which the end of the electrical conductor 237 is fastened.

The lower end ot the insulator 231 is quipped with shaft portion 251 suitably `journaled in a base piece 252 fastened to the bea-m support 230.` rlhe shaft portion 251 is equipped with suitable loclriiigbolts 253 located below the beam 236. These bolts maintain the insulator in its? vertical position and preventl une same from tilting.v also,

the loi'e'r end of the shaft portion'251 is eqiiipped with a polygonal-shaped portion 254 to whicha suitable wrench'or lever handle may be connected for the purpose of re- Volvin the insulator 231. l

spaced trom'the insulator 231 is another vertical insulator 255 suitably fastened to the beam 230; The pair of insulators 231 and 255 cooperate to support a. drive device designated generally by the Vrei'eience character This device,in addition to serving as a means 'for actuating the switch blade designated generally by .the reference character 25'?, serves as a mounting tor the switch 4lle shall now describe in detail the mounti'nd drive mechanism 256 which is illus- Ad n Figs. 4 and 5; rlhe construction 256 d s a casing or housing 258 which is positioned immediately over the insulator 231. rlhe housing 258 has bolted thereto a supporting strip 259 secured to the top of the insulator 255. Bolted to the housing 258 isa lug 259 of an electrical transmission line 260. Positionedinside of the housing 258 and disposed in substantially a horizontal plane is a bevel gear 261 which is connected to the top of the insulator 231 by means of a plurality of dovelpins 262. T his bevel gear 261 is at all ytimes in mesh with a bevel gear 263 positioned in a planedisposed at an angle to that of the gear 261. The casing 258 is. provided with an opening 264 in axial alignment with he gear 261. Also theY gear 261 is quipped with an opening 265 in axial alignment withthe opening- 264. Positioned in the openings isla bearing member 26.6.VV y

The member isprovided with a central aperture through which theshanlr of a bolt 268 extends. rl`he lower end of thebolt 268 is threaded into the top oi v'the insulator 231. Also positioned intermediate the head of the bolt 268 and the-casing 258 are a plurality of washers 269. i 1

The gear 263is splined to a shaft 270 which extends through an4r opening 271 in the casing 258. rlhe upper endlof this shaft 2 7() is provided `with a head portion 2.72 which has "formed integral therewith a socket-like portion 273fo-r receiving an end of the switch i blade 257. The socket portion 272 is pre1- ei'ably split as indicated at 2?4v and the split portions are adapted to be bolted together by means ot a pair of bolts and nuts 275. The bolts and nut-s 275 engage flanges 276 formed Ablade 257 is attached integral with the split socket member 273. lhesoclret member 270 is positioned at an angle with respect to the shaft 270. rilhe angle is substantially greater than a right angle. I'hc socket member 27.2 is preferably connected to the head portion 27's by a pair of l legs 278. rihe tubular switch blade an end pofiitioned in` the socket mehr derailed to this end of the blade bj ing" '1li 2.75 an end of a copper -1 i YA rinboi co1. 'luctor 218. having its other end com eeted to the line 260. yihls conductor 278 serves as a means for by-passing the current around the housing' `258 `to the switch arm i Associated with the head portion 272 is a grease cup 278 by means of which a lubrica tion medium may be projected into the inside of the easing 258. That is to say, the grease cup 278 -is adapted to furnish lubrication to the bearings associated with the shaft 27() in `a manner which will now be described in detail. The upper end of the opening 271 in the casing 258 is flared and provided with a beveled edge 280. `Positioned intermediate this annular beveled edge 280 and the head piece 272 are a pluralityiof steel balls281 Also, it should be noted that the head portion 272 is equipped with an annular flange 282 which overlaps the part of the casing 258 associated with the beveled edge 280. The low- Aer end of the opening 271 is also flared and equipped with a beveled yedge 284C. Positioned intermediate the annular beveled edge 284 and the gear 2 63 are a plurality of anti frictional `elementsor steel balls 285 which i .serve as an antrfrictional bearing' for the shaft 270. The lower end of the shaft 270 is reduced as indicated `at 286. This reduced 'portion 286 is adapted to have threaded thereon a castellated nut 287. Positioned intermediate the eastellated nut 287 and the vgear 268 is a thrust washer 288. The castellated nut 287 may be looked in place by the usualcotter pin 289 which entondsthrough a suitable aperture in the threaded portion 286 ofthe shaft 27 0.

It should be noted that the socket member 27 3 is cut away, as indicated at 290 in order Vvfor it to be moved .witliiout' interfering` with i the head ofthe bolt 268. Also, it should be f observed that the casing 258 is provided with a grease cup 291 by `means of which lubrication may be supplied to the'bearing 266.

A New, as previously described, the switch o Y tothe socket portion 273 by means of the bolts and nuts 275. The

freeendof the switch blade 257 is flattened as `indicated Vat 295. i `This flattened portion isadapted to be moved intermediate the previously described self-aligningcontact blocks thereto anlarcinghorn 296 for cooperation with the arcing horn 236 associated with the stationaryinsulator 232.

The operation of our invention above de scribed is believed to be obvious from the detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying illustrations inthe drawings. It will be evident that although the rotary insulator 231 is disposed in a vertical position, a horizontahvertical movement may be imparted to the switch blade `257 to move it into or out of engagement with the self-aligning contact block 240. In this form of our invention the horiZontal-vertical increment is accomplisheal by `associating` with the upper end of the vertical insulator 231 a bevel gear drive for the switchblade 257. In order to minimize the stresses and strains imposed upon the insulator 231 by the mounting and driving mechanism 256, we find it desirable to provide an auxiliary insulator 255 which is adapted to cooperate with the rotary insulator 231 in supporting the bevel gear mechanism 256. The steel balls 281 and 285 associated with the shaft 270 in the bevel gear drive, perform two functions. One of these functions is to provide an anti-frictional support for the shaft 27 O and the other function to grind away any corrosive inatter that `might accumulate at the bearings of the shaft. y e

Furthermore, it should be observed that the device 256 maybe disassembled with facility for the purposes of repair or the replacement of parts. Although the gear mechanism is associated with the upper end `the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a switch, a base, a fixed insulator mounted thereon, a rotary insulator spaced from the fixed insulator and mounted on the base, a contact terminal associated with the fixed insulator, a switch blade associated with i the rotary insulator and oooperable with the contact terminal, and aprotary` gear connection between the top of the rotary insulator and the said blade for swinging the blade,

said connection including a drivengear with its axis at an angle other than a right angleto i the am oi.' the blade and with which the bla de moves as a unit, whereby the blade is swung in a non-planar path.

2. In a switch, a base, a fixed insulator mounted thereon, airotary `insulator spaced from the fixed insulatoi and mounted on the base, a contact terminal-associated with the fixed insulator a switch blade associated with therotary insulator and cooperable with the contact terminal, a rotary gear connection between the top of the'rotary insulator and the said blade,'said connection including a driven gear the axis of which is at an obtuse angle to the axis of the switch bladeand with which Y thev blade is connected to moveas a unit, tlie axis of said blade being disposed substantially parallel. to the plane of the base when iin engagement with the terminal and at an langle to the plane of the base when it is in an open Y iixed'insulator, a switch blade associated with the rotary insulatorrand cooperable with the contact terminal,a gear connection between 'the rtop of the rotary insulator and the said blade, said connection including a driven gear with its axis of rotation at an angle other than a right angle with the axis of the blade and with which the blade vis connected to move as a unit, and means associated with the lower end of the rotary insulator for operating the yinsulator and gearing to move the blade ina substantially conical path into and out of engagement with the contact terminal.

4. vIn a switch, a base, a fixed yinsulator Amounted thereon, a rotary insulator spaced from the fixed insulator and mounted on the base, a contact terminal associated with the i fixed insulator, a switch blade associated with Y blade, the axis of the two gears intersectingA the rotary insulator and cooperable with the contact terminal, means for moving the blade in a'conical path laterally and away from the base to open the switch, said means including the rotary insulator and a gear connection between the top of the rotary insulator and 'the said blade, vsaid gear connection including a bevel gear connected to the top ofthe rotary insulator, and a second bevel gear in mesh with the said lirst gear connected to the switch at an angle other than a right angle.

, 5. In a switch, a base, a fixed insulator mounted thereon, a rotaryA insulator spaced Vfromthe fixed insulator yandinounted on the ',baseQa contact terminal associated with the fixed insulator, a switch blade associated with the'rotary insulator and cooperable with the contact terminal, a gear connection between the top of the rotary insulator and 'the said blade, said gear connection lincluding a lirst bevel -gearrconnected to the top' of the'rotary insulator,a second bevell gear in mesh with said first gear, said'blade being `connected. to

, the second bevel gear with its axis at an angle to other than a right angle to the axis of the gear, a shaft upon which the second gear is mounted, aV non-freezing rotary bearing support for said shaft, and a connection between said shaft and the blade, said bearing including a plurality of anti-frictional elements, and means associated with the lower end of the rotary insulator for operating the same to move the blade in a substantially conical path into and out of engagement with the contact terminal. Y

, 6. An outdoor switch comprising a supporting base, two stationary insulators mounted on said base in spaced relationship, a switch contact mounted on one of the insulators, a switch blade, and means for moving the blade out'o-f engagement with the Contact in a direction extending first substantially laterally of the basel and at right angles to theplane of the supporting'insulators and thereafter in a direction extending substantially vertically of the base to increase the striking distance between theblade and both the base and the movable Contact, said means including a movable actuating insulator supported by said base and an actuating connection between the free fend of -said movable insulator and the blade.

'7. An outdoor switch comprising a supporting base, two stationary insulators mounted on said base inspaced relationship, a switch Contact mounted on one of the insulators, a switch blade, and means for `moving the blade out of engagement with the contact in a direction extending first substantially laterally 'of the base and at right angles to l the plane of the axes of the supporting insulators and thereafter in a direction extending substantially verticallyv of the base to increase the striking distance between ythe blade and both the base and the movable contact, said means including a movable actuating insulator supported by said base andan actuating connection between the free end of said movable insulator and the blade, said movable insulator being disposed between said stationary insulators and adjacent one of them.

8. An outdoor switch comprising av supporting base, twov .stationary vinsulators mounted on said base in spaced relationship, a switch contactmou'ntedon one of theinsulaters, a switch blade,y means yfor moving the blade out of engagement with the contact in a direction' extending lirst substantially laterallly of the base and at right: angles to the plane of the supporting insulators and thereafterjin a direction .extendingsubstantially vertically of the base to increase the striking distance between the blade andv both the base and the movable contact, `said means including a movable actuating insulator supported by said base a'ndanactuating connection bedisposed between said stationary insulators and adjacent one of them, and a bracing conneotion between the top of the movable insulator and said adjacent stationary insulator.

- 9. VA switch comprising a supporting base,

a movable switch member having a generally horizontal closed position, means for swinging said switch member in a path extending first substantially laterally of the supporting base and thereafter extending substantially upwardly to the open position, said means including a stationary and a movable insulator both mounted upon said base and bracing means between the insulators, and means -3 contacting' with the movable switch member in a generally horizontal closed position for completing a circuit therethrough.

In witness whereof, we hereunto subscribe our names this 16th day of August, 1928.

\ WELDON O. HAMPTON. ERMINE J. THOMPSON.

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