US1711229A - Switch - Google Patents

Description

W. O. HAMPTON ET AL SWITCH Filed se i. 27, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 772/4977/5155 Mela/071 a flaw 2% Ermine I mum 2.50

April 30, 1929. w. o. HAMPTON ET AL 1,711,229

SWITCH Filed Sept. 27, 1926 6 5116612841166! 2 Q3 Inventors? Weldon 0 Hampion&

Ermine J Thompson A1315 ys 30, 1929- w. o. HAMPTON ET AL f hfiw swrr'cn' Filed Sept. 27, 1926 e sneew smm Ermine J Thox npsma A ril 30, 1929. w. o. HAMPTON ET AL- 1,711,229

.. swncn Filed Sept. 27, 1926 s Sheets-Sheet 4 MMIH W April 50, 1929.

" W50. HAMPTON ET'AL' SWITCH s Sheets-sheaf 5 Filed Sept. 27, 1926 Patented Apr. 30, 1929.

UNITED STATES WELDON O. HAMPTON AND ERMINE J. THOMPSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS 1,711,229 PATENT OFFICE.

TO THE DELTA-STAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

SWITCH.

Application filed September 27, 1926. Serial No. 137,930.

Our invention relates to electrical switch mechanism and more partlcularly to a class of switches of our invention which we prefer-.

ably term horizontal-vertical switches.

In recent times the transmission of power having high voltages has become a reality and engineers are contantly striving to meet and improve the condition surrounding the use of high voltage transmission lines. Obviously, the increase in voltages necessitated that the dimensions and striking distances of the switch parts keep pace therewith. Thls is particularly true of disconnect switches which are usually associated with the power lines in exposed condition.

Now in three-phase power lines, the disconnect switches are associated therewith in multiple or in banks of three switches, one for each line. It has been the practice in opcrating switches, especially those of the rota-ry insulator type, to move the switch blade of each switch in substantially one plane,

either a horizontal or avertical plane as thecase may be. lVhen the switch is in an opened condition, its blade will naturally be in a proximate position to the termlnals of the adjacent switch. Then, too, in a disconnect switch it is necessary to move the blade to a position at least as distant from the fixed terminal as the end of the pivot terminal associated with the blade.

In order to make this possible in a bank of three switches of the rotary insulator type, the central switch is usually separated on each side from the adjacent switches by a distance great enough to accommodate the full length of the switch blade. lhis results in such switches occupying considerable space and necessitating a relatively large mounting for each bank of three disconnect switches which is not a desirable feature in the switch art.

\Vc propose torcmedy 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 another, such, for example,'as from ahorizon tal plane to a vertical plane. In our novel switch construction the blade is mounted in such a manner upon the hinge terminal that it is adapted when actuated to be swung from a plane parallel to the base to a plane substantially at right angles thereto. It will be evident that in a bank of switches embodyingl'he features of our invention, the switches may be positioned closer together, thereby reducing the size of mounting necessary for the bank of switches and thus resulting in economy as far as space is concerned.

In 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 to the insulator the blade will be swung in an arcuate path from a plane parallel to the base of the switch to a plane at substantially right angles thereto. Moreover, when the blade is in an opened position, it will extend outwardly from the rotary insulator and hence will be farther from the fixed terminal than the terminal associated with the top of the. rotary insulator.

We also propose to provide improved operating mechanism for the rotary insulator as well as an improved non-freezable support therefor, both of our invention. Incidental- 1y, we contemplate the provision of selfaligning contacts adapted to cooperate with the switch blade in such a manner as to insure a good electrical connection therebetween.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate several embodiments thereof and in which Fig. 1 is an elevation of a combination choke coil mounting and switch embodying the features of our invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View of the bevel gear mechanism for revolving the slanting insulator illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view partly in section taken on the line 3--3 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view partly in section of the mounting on the top of the slant- Fig. 8 is an elevation of a third modification of our novel switch;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view of the terminal or contact clip of the switch shown in Fig. 8;

ig. 10 is an enlarged view partly in section taken on the line 1010 of Fig. 8, lookin in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged View of the switch arm shown in Fig. 8 illustrating the'selfaligning contact blocks carried thereby;

Fig. 12 is another view of the arm illustrated in Fig. 11 showing more clearly the mounting of the blocks Fig. 13 is an elevation of still another modification of switch embodying the features of our invention;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan view of the self-aligning contact block terminal shown in'Fig. 1-3;

Fig. 15' is another enlarged view of the same stationary terminal as illustrated in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan View of the mounting of the switch blade illustrated in Fig. 13; and

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken on the line 17-17 of Fig. 16, illustrating the bevel gear mechanism for actuating the switch blade.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, in which like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, 20 denotes a channel beam support upon which our novel switch mechanism is mounted. Mounted upon this support 20 are a pair of spaced vertical or upright insulators 21 and 22 which may be of any suitable or usual construction. These insulators may be attached to the support in any conventional manner, such for example, as by bolts 23. Also mounted upon the support 20 is a slanting insulator 24 which is spaced a predetermined distance from the Vertical insulator 22.

-The slanting insulator 24 may also be of any usual or conventional construction.

Mounted upon the top of the spaced insulators 21 and 22 (Fig. 1) and suitably attached thereto, is a choke coil 25. One end of this choke coil is bolted to the top of the insulator 21, and the other end of the coil is bolted or attached in any other desirable manner to the free end of the insulator 22. Attached to the insulator 21 and connected to the corresponding end of the choke coil 25, is a terminal-lug 26 to which one end 27 of an electrical power line is connected. The end 27 of the power line is preferably attached to a clip 28 which is in turn fastened to the lug 26. The end 27 of the power line may be attached to the clip 27 by means of U-shaped bolts 29.

The choke coil 25 comprises a plurality of turns of wire 30 which are suitably spaced and carried by a plurality of reenforcing bars 31. Of course It is to be understood that any other usual or conventional form of choke coil may be disposed intermediate the insulators 21 and 22.

Mounted upon the top of the insulator 22 is also a contact terminal which is electrically connected to one end of the choke coil 25. We have indicated this contact terminal generally by the reference numeral 32. Associated with this contact terminal 32 is an arcing horn 33 which is of usual construction. We shall now proceed to describe in detail the mechanism associated with the slanting insulator 24.

As best shown in Fig. 2 the lower end of the slanting insulator 24 is equipped with a flange portion 35 which is attached to a flange portion 36 of a shaft 37. The two flanges 35.

and 36 may be secured to each other by bolts and nuts 38 which enable the ready separation ofthecooperating parts. The shaft 37 extends through a casing or housing 40 which. is equipped with flanges 41 disposed parallel to the top of the channel beam 20. The top of the channel beam 20 is provided with a circular aperture or opening 42 through which extends a tubular member 43 equipped with a'flange 44 positioned on top of the channel beam 20 immediately below the flange41 of the casing or housing 40. The flanges 41 and 44 are secured together by means of bolts and nuts 45.

Referring now again to the shaft 37 it will be noted that the upper portion of this shaft extends through an opening 46 in the casing or housing 40. The opening 46 is partially defined by a flared or beveled edge 47. That is to say, the opening 46 in reality communicates with a flared orifice. The upper part of the shaft 37 is provided with an annular or ring-like depression 48 between which and the beveled edge 47 are a plurality of balls 50. These balls 50 serve both as anti-frictional elements and anti-freezing elements. Then, too, these balls serve to grind away any corrosion that may accumulate between the upper end of the shaft 37 and the casing 40, as will become more obvious hereinafter.

Thelower end of the shaft 37 extends through a flared opening 51 in the lower part of the casing 40. The lower end of the shaft 37 extending through the flared opening 51 is reduced as indicated at 52. Mounted on this reduced portion 52 is a ring-like or washer element 53 held in place by a cast-ellated'nut 54 threaded on the external end of the shaft 37. The castellated nut 54 may be held from turning in the usual manner by a cotter pin 55. Disposed intermediate the beveledaedge defining the flared orifice 51 and the reduced portion 52 are a plurality of anti-frictional balls 56 which serve in the same capacity as the balls 51 previously described. These anti-frictional balls 56 serve as an ideal anti-frictional bearing for the,

. material and constitutes a race for the balls 56. \Ve desire it understood that although the balls incidentally serve as anti-frictional elements they also serve to grind and wear away any corrosive matter and sleet that may accumulate in the support for the shaft 37.

The lower end of the bore 60 is flared in order to provide a beveled edge 65 which constitutes one race of a ball bearing unit. Mounted on the shaft 61 and associated with the race 66 is an annular or ring-like bearing member 63 which constitutes the other race of the lower ball bearing unit. Positioned intermediate the race 63 and the race 66 are a plurality of anti-frictional elements or balls 68 which are adapted to move around the shaft 61. The ring member 63 is held in place by a nut 70. The nut 70 is locked in position by a castellated nut 71 mounted on the shaft 61 and prevented from turning by a cotter pin 72 extending through the shaft in a well known manner. The lower end of the shaft 61 is provided with a polygonal shaped portion 75 to which a suitable handle (not shown) may be clamped for actuating the shaft.

Keyed to the top end of the shaft 61 is a bevel gear 76 which abuts the shoulder 62. The bevel gear 76 is adapted to mesh with a bevel gear 77 keyed to the shaft 37. We preferably employ a Voodrufl' key for attaching the gear 77 to the shaft 37. \Ve have indicated this Voodrufi' key in Figs. 2 and 3 by the reference numeral 78.

It is evident from the illustratiOn in Fig. 2 that upon turning the shaft 61 a rotary motion will be imparted to the slanting insulator 24 through the meshing bevel gears 76 and 77. Also, it is believed evident from the detailed description that the parts going to make up the drive from the insulator 24, may be readily disassembled for purposes of repair or replacement. The gears and the ball bearing units may be suitably lubricated by any suitable or conventional lubrication. Vi e preferal'ily providethe casing 40 with a grease gun fitting 79 by means of which grease may be forced into the casing to lubricate the gears and ball bearings.

\Ve shall now proceed to describe the inanrer in which the switch blade 80 is mounted upon the top of the slanting insulator 24. The switch blade 80 has a free end 81 which is adapted to cooperate with the terminal 32.

born 82 for cooperation with the arcing horn 33. It should be noted that the switch blade 80 is tubular in shape and at its end 81 is substantially flattened. Also, we desire it understood that the contact terminal 32 may comprise a plurality of self-aligning contact blocks, such as those illustrated in Figs. 14

and 15, whichare to be described hereinafter.

Attached to the top of the slanting insu-' lator 24 (Fig. .1) is a clip 85 to which is fastened a terminal lug 86 secured to an end of 'an electrical line 87. The end of the line 87 may be attached to the clip 85 by means of U-bolts 88. The end 89 of theswitch blade 80 is attached to the insulator 24 and is connected to the clip 85.

Referring to Fig. 4 it will be observed that the clip 85 bent into an angular formation and has integral therewith a hollow circular portion 90. The. hollow circular portion 90 includes a clamping plate 91 secured to the clip 85 by means of a plurality of bolts 92 threaded through flanges 93 integral with the clamping member 91 and into flanges 93-intcgral with the clip 85. The-clip. or arm 85. is mounted aroundatubular member 98 secured to the top of the insulator 24. Formed in the periphery of this tuluilar'men'iber 98 1s a groove 99 adapted to cooperate with an annular groove 100 in the circular portion 90. Disposed intermediate the two annular grooves 99 and 100 are a plurality of balls 101 which permit ofthe moving of the tubular member within the circular portion 90 of the clip or arm 85. That is to say, the clip or arm 85 is normally maintained stationary through its attachment to the power line 87. On the otherhand, the tubular member 98 is adapted to rotate with the insulator 24. This rotation is permitted due to the balls 101 which provide an antifrictional bearing for the tubular member 98. I 'In order to prevent a movement between the tubular member 98 and the insulator 24, we preferably connect the two, by a plurality of dowel pins 103. Theupper end of the tubular member 98 is enlarged to form ahead piece 104 upon which is mounted a circular member 105. The circular member 105 is connected to the head piece 104 by a plurality of dowel pins 106. Also extending through the member 105. the tubular member 98 and threaded into the top of the insulator 24, is the shank 107 of a bolt 109. This bolt 109 serves to rigidly attach the tubular member to the insulator 24. Secured to the circular member 105 by bolts 110 is a circular part 111 from which extends a projection 112. The free end of the projection 112 is secured to the switch blade 80 by a plurality of bolts and nuts- 113.

1*urthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 4-, the terminal lug 96. as well as the arm or clip 85 have secured thereto an end 114 of an electrical conductor 115. The other end of i this electrical conductor 115 is fastened to the projection 112, thus establishing a direct electrical path between the conductor 87 and the blade 80. That is to say, the electrical current is by-passed, so to speak, around the end of the insulator 24 and tubular member 98 directly to the switchblade80. This assures a good electrical connection between the blade and the conductor 87.

The operation of the switch arm 80 is, briefly, as follows :-Upon turnin the shaft 61, the insulator 24 through the bevel gears 76 and 77 will be caused to be revolved. The end 81 of the switch blade 80 will ereupon be moved out of engagement with t e terminal 32. Also, inasmuch as the blade 80 is disposed in a horizontal p1ane,and,since the slanting insulator is positioned at an angle with respect to the plane of the blade 80, the revolving of the insulator 24 will cause the blade 80.to be moved from a horizontal plane into the vertical plane. By vertical plane we mean substantially vertical. We have illustrated'by dotted lines (Fig. 1) the position to which the blade 80 will be moved upon the operation of the insulator 24. It will be evident from'the illustration in Fig. 1 that the blade 80 is moved out of striking I distance with respect to the terminal 32 and yet, at the same time, is not moved in a horizontal plane. This feature is a highly advantageous one, since it enables a plurality of such switches to be positioned closer together than has been possible heretofore. This is particularly true of three-phase lines where it is the usual practice to employ three disconnect switches, one for each line.

The aforesaid movement of the swltch blade 80 may be also referred to as a horizontal-vertical movement, inasmuch as the blade is initially moved from a substantially horizontal plane into a substantially vertical lane. Thls movement of the blade also enables the blade to be moved away from the terminal without interfering in any way whatsoever with the adjacent switches or their switch blades. It will also be ev1dent from the disclosure in Fig. 1 that this movement is accomplished by disposing the 1nsulator therefor in an inclined position and attaching the blade thereto at an angle other than a 90 degree angle with respect to the plane of the axis of the slanting insulator.

In Figs. 6 and 7 we have illustrated another modification of our invention. In this form of the invention 125 designates generally a channel base upon which is mounted a pair of slanting in'sulators 126 and 127. The insulator 126 is mounted ,upon a bracket 128 carried by the beam 125. Mounted upon and secured to the top of the insulator 126 is a bracket 129 which carries a contact terminal designated generally by the reference character 134. Associated with the contact termi- 119.1 134 is an arcing horn 135 which extends upwardly therefrom. Secured to the terminal 134 is a terminal strip 130 upon which is fastened a conductor lug 131 associated with an electrical line 132. The line 132 is also secured to the strip 130 by means of a pair of U-shaped bolts 133.

The lower end of the insulator 127 is equipped with a shaft 141 which'is journaled in a casing designated generally by the reference numeral 140. Positioned within the casing 140 and splined to the shaft 141 is a small spur gear 142 at all times meshing with a spur gear 143 also mounted within the casing 140. The casing or housing 140 is bolted to a base 144 secured to the beam 125. The gear 143 is adapted to be rotated by a lever 145 suitably connected thereto. Obviously, by turning the lever 145 the insulator 127 through the gears 143 and 142 will be revolvedf Secured to the top of the insulator 127 by bolts 147 is a tubular top piece 146, the upper end of which is equipped with an annular flange 148. The flange 148 is secured to a flange 149 of a switch blade 150 by means of bolts and nuts 151. comprises a-tubular portion 152, one end of which is'mounted in an extension 153 from the flan e 149. The tubular portion 152 is fastene to the extension 153 by means of bolts and nuts 154. The free end of the switch blade 150 is preferably flattened, as indicated at 155. This flattened end of the switch blade is adapted to cooperate with the terminal 134 carried by the insulator 127.

Also the free end of the switch blade 150 is equipped with an arcing horn 156 for cooperation with the arcing horn 135 associated with the terminal 134.

Associated with the tubular top piece 146 intermediate its ends is a clip 160 to which is fastened a terminal lug 166 secured to an end of an electrical line 167. The line 167 is preferably secured to a terminal strip 168 by means of U-shaped bolts 168 The clip 160 is equipped with a hollow or tubular portion 170 which is substantially of the same construction as the clip illustrated'in Fig. 4. Positioned intermediate the periphery of the top piece 146 and the tubular portion 17 0 are a plurality of balls or amt-ifrictional elements 17 4. These balls 174 enable the tubular top piece 146 to rotate inside of the hollow end of the clip 160. In other words, the clip 160 is at all times maintained stationary, due to the fact that it is connected to the end of the power line 167.

The operation of this modification of our invention is substantially the same as that described in connection with the first modification of our invention. Obviously, upon the turning of the insulator 127 the switch blade or switch arm 150 will be moved from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane. Also, the blade may be moved from a vertical plane to the horizontal plane wherein it assumes its closed position.

In Figs. 8 to 12, inclusive, we have illustrated a third modification of our invention. In this form of the invention, 175 designates generally a supporting beam for a pair of spaced insulators 176 and'177. The insulator 176 is disposed in a vertical position and the insulator 177 is disposed in a slanting position. The lower end of the insulator 176 is fastened to a support 178 secured to the beam 17 5. Secured to the top of the insulator 176 is an angular member 179 to which is secured an angular contact terminal 180, the contact terminal 180 is preferably secured to the angular member 179 by means of a bolt and nut 179, best illustrated in Fig. 10. Suitably attached to the angular member 179 is a lug 181 connected to an end of a transmission line 182. Associated with 'the contact terminal 180 is a shield 183 and an arcing horn 184. The arcing horn and the shield (Figs. 9 and 10) are secured to the vertical part of the angular member 179 by means of a clamping plate 186 secured thereto by bolts and nuts 187. This clamping plate 186, as best shown in Fig. 9, has an arcuate shaped groove 188 for accommodating the lower portion of the arcing horn 184. The shield 183 extends over the contact terminal 180 and protects the same from the natural elements. One side of the shield 183 is opened to permit of the entry of the end of the switch blade to be described hereinafter. The switchblade is adapted to cooperate with the part 190 of the contact terminal 180 to establish an electrical connection between two lines. The part 190 of the terminal 180 is disposed in substantially a horizontal plane immediately under the shield 183.

The lower end of the insulator 177 has formed integral therewith a shaft 200 journa led in a member 201 fastened to a base element 202 secured to the beam 175. The shaft 200 is adapted to berotated by means of a lever arm 203. It will be evident that by turning the lever arm 203 the slantin'g insulator 177 will be revolved. Associated with the top of the insulator 177 is a mounting designated generally by the reference numeral 205 for a switch blade 206. This mounting 205 is substantially the same as the mounting employed-in the previously described modification of our invention. Therefore, it is believed that it will not be necessary to give a detailed description of this mounting. Connected to this mounting 205 is an end of an electrical line 208. This line is carried upon a clip 209 in the same manner usgin our previous modification. \Ve shall now describe in detail the construction of our novel switch arm 206 as best illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12.

The switch blade 206 has fastened to it intermediate its ends, an adjustable arcing horn conductors 215 connected to a pair of contact blocks 216. The conductors 215 and the spring elements 214 are secured to the end of the blade 206 by means of a pair of clamping. plates 217 and a pair of bolts and nuts 218. The blocks 216 are disposed opposite each other and are adapted to engage opposite sides of the portion 190 of the contact terminal 180 associated with the stationary insulator 176. The blocks 216 are maintained in position by the free ends of the spring elements 214 which cooperate with the outer faces of the blocks. Each of the spring elements 214 is furnished with a pair of apertures 219 and 220 for receiving projections 221 and 222, res ectively, which are integral with one of the b ocks 21 6.

I The projections 221 and 222 associated with each block 216 constitutes the sole support for the block. That is to say, these projections cooperate with the corresponding-openings in '75 spaced elements 214 are a pair of electrical the ends of the elements 214 to support the blocks 216. form a pivotal support for the blocks, thus permitting them to be rocked freely. This feature of pivot-ally supporting the blocks enables them to properly engage the portion of the contact terminal adapted to extend therebetween. Obviously, when the switch blade 206 is in its closed position, the'portion 190 of the contact terminal will be positioned intermediate the pair of blocks 216 which will be urged into tight engagement therewith by means of the spring elements 214.

The operation of this form of switch is substantially the same as the operation of our previously described modification. By actuating the lever 203 the switch blade 206 may be moved from or into engagement with the contact terminal 180. In this construction, however, the contact terminal blocks are associated with the movable switch arm 206 instead of with the contact terminal 180. These blocks serve to insure a good electrical connection. between the portion 190 of the terminal 180 and the switch blade.

In Figs. 13 to 17, inclusive, we have illustrated still another'modification of our in vention. The switch as best shown in Fig. 3, comprises a supporting beam 230 and-a pair of spaced vertical insulators 231 and 232. The insulator 232 is attached to a base 233 secured to the support 230. Mounted upon the top of the insulator 232 is a contact terminal device designated generally by the reference These projections, in reality,

character 235. This device includes an arcing horn 236. Connected to this device is an end of an electrical transmission line 237. We shall now-describe in detail the construction of the device 235, referring more particularly to Figs. 14 and 15.

The device includes a pair of pivotally mounted contact blocks 240. Connected to each of the blocks is an electrical conductor 241. The blocks are adapted to cooperate with the switch blade to cstabli sh an electrical connection. It should be noted at this time that the blocks'are adapted to be spread apart in order to permit of the blade being placed intermediate them. Associated with each of the blocks is a resilient elen'ie'nt 242 which has an aperture 243 for accommodating a projection 244 integral with the outer face of the block. The projection 244 cooperates with the element 242 to support the block 240. That is to say, the sole support for the block is afforded by the resilient element 242. The blocks are at all times urged toward each other by the said pair of resilient elements. Positioned over the blocks 240 is a shield 245 for protecting the blocks from the natural elements.

Now the free ends of the electrical conductors 241, which may each comprise a substantially flat copper ribbon, are Separated by a terminal piece 246. The free ends of the'conductors, as well as the associated end of the terminal piece 246, are all positioned intermediate the ends of the pair of resilient 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 of bolts 248.

The resilient elements 242 are adapted to at all times urge the blocks 240 toward each other. Furthermore, when the free end of the switch blade is positioned intermediate the blocks the resilient elements serve to force the blocks into engagement with the switch blade to establish a good electrical connection therebetween. The blocks are-permitted to rock freely upon their pivotal mountings and are thus enabled to accommodate themselves with facility to the surface of the free ends of the switch blades. In other words-,-

the blocks are self-aligning and are thus capable of at all times tightly engaging the switch blades. F astened to the terminal piece 246 by bolts 249 is a terminal lug 250 in which the end of the electrical conductor 237 is fastened. I I

The lower end of the insulator 231 is equipped with a shaft portion 251 suitably journaled in a base piece 252 fastened to the beam support 230. The shaft portion 251 is equip ed with suitable locking bolts 253locate'd elow the beam 230. These bolts maintain the insulator in its vertical position and prevent the same from tilting. Also, the

lower end of the shaft portion 251 is equipped vertical insulator 255 suitably fastened tothe beam 230. "The pair'of insulators 231 and 255 cooperate to support a drive device designated generally by the reference character 256. This device, in addition to servingas a means for actuating the switch blade designated. generally by the reference character 257, serves as a mounting for the switch blade. \Ve shall now describe in dctail the mounting and drive mechanism 256 which is illustrated in l6 and l7 The construction 256 includes a casing or housing 258 which is positioned immediately, over the insulator 231. The housing 258 has bolted thereto a supportingstrip 259 secured to the top of the insulator 255: Bolted to the housing'258 is a lug 259 of an electrical transmission line- 260. Positioned inside 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'dowel pins 262. This bevel gear 261 is at all times in mesh with a bevel gem-263 positioned in a plane disposed at an angle to that of the gear 261. The casing 258 is provided with an opening 264 in axial alignment with the gear 261. Also the gear 261 is equipped with an axial opening 265 in axial alignment with the opening 264. Positioned in the openings 264" and 265. is a bearing member 266. This bearing member 266' is providedwith a central aperture 267 through which the shank of a bolt 268 extends. The lower end of the bolt 268 is threaded intothe top of the insulator 231. Also positioned-intermediate the head of the bolt 268 and the casing 258 are a plurality of washers 269'.

The gear 263 is splinedto a shaft 27 O which extends through an opening 271 in the casing 258. The upper end of this shaft 270 is providcd with a head portion 272 which has formed integral therewith a socket-like ortion 273 for receiving an end of the SWItCh" angle with respect to the shaft 270. The

angle is substantially greater than a ri ht angle. The socket member 273 is prefera ly connected to the head portion 272 by a pair of spaced legs 274. The tubular switch blade 257 has an end positioned in the socket member 273. Secured to this end offtheblade by a telescoping plug 27 5 is an end of a copper ribbon conductor 27 8" having its otherxen'd connected to the=line 260. This conductor 27 8' serves as a means for byp ss1ng the current around the vhdusing 258 to the switch arm 257. Associated with the headportion 272 is a grease cup-27 8 by means of which a lubrication medium may be PI'OJBCtQd' into the inside of the casing 258. That is to say,

which serve as anti-frictional elements, Also, I it should be noted that the head portion 272' is equipped with an annular flange 282 which overlapsthe part of the casing 258 associated with the beveled edge 280. The lower end of the opening 271 is also flared and equipped with a beveled edge 284-; Positioned intermediate the annular beveled edge 284 and the 1 gear 263 are a plurality of anti-frictional elements or steel balls 285 which serve as an anti-frictional bearing for the shaft 270. The lower end of the shaft 270 is reduced as indicatedat 286; This reduced portion 286 is adapted to have threaded thereon a castellated nut 287. Positioned intermediate the castellated' nut 287 and the gear 263 is a thrust washer 288. The castellated nut 287 may be locked in place by the usual cotter pin 289 which extends through'a suitable aperture in the threaded 270;

It should benoted that the socket member 273 is cutaway, as indicated at 290 in order for it to be moved without interfering with portion 286 of the shaft the head of the bolt 268. Also, it should be observed that the casing 258 is provided with a grease cup 291 by means of which lubr1ca -tion may be supplied to the bearing 266;:

' Now, as previously described, the switch blade 257 is attached to the socket portion 273 by means of the bolts and nuts 275. The free end of the switch blade 257 is flattened'as in dicated at 295. This flattened portion is adapted: tobe moved intermediate the previously described self-aligning contact blocks 240. Also the blade 257, which is preferably of a tubular construction, has fastened thereto an arcing -horn.296 for cooperation with the arcinghorn 236 associated-with the stationary insulator 232. l

The operation of thelast modification of our invention above described, is believed to be obvious from the detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying illustrations in the drawings. It will be evident that although. the rotary insulator 231 is disposed in a vertical position, a horizontal.- vertical movement. may be impartedvv to the switchblade 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 movement is accomplished by associating with the upper end of the vertical insulator 231 a bevel gear drive for the switch blade 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 coperate with the rotary insulat0r231 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 func tions. One of these functions is to provide an anti-frictional support for the shaft 270 and the other function is to grind away any corrosive matter that might accumulate at the bearings of the shaft.

Furthermore, it should be observed thatthe device 256 may be disassembled with facility for purposes of repair or the replacement of parts. Although the gear mecha nism is associated with the upper end of the rotary msul ator231, the means for actuatingthe insulator 231 is associated with the base or beam 230. This will result in the entire insulator-231 being simultaneously actuated withthe blade 257 when it is desired to move the same into or out of engagement with the cooperating self-aligning contact blocks 240 of the contact device 235.

Now we desire it understood that although we have described in detail several embodiments of our invention, the invention is not to be limited thereby,.but only in so far as defined by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

We claim 1. In a switch, the combination of a supporting base, a switch member mounted upon said base, and having a closed position substantially parallel said base, and means for swinging said switch member in a conical path laterally and outwardly away from said base to open the switch and simultaneously increase the striking distance between said switch member and the base.

2. In a switch, the combination 0tv a sup-- porting. base, a SWltCh' member'mounted .upon said base, and having a closed position substantially parallel said. base, means for swlnging said switch member in a conical.

path laterally and outwardly away from said base to open the switch and simultaneously increase the-strikin distance between said switch member and t e base, and means contacting with the movable switch member in its closed position for completing a circuit therethrough.

3. In a switch, the combination of a supporting base, a switch member mounted upon said base, and having a. closed position subsipating arcs outwardly from said base.

4. In a switch, the coi'nbination of a supporting base, an insulator on said base, a second insulator mounted upon said base and inclined at its outer end toward said first insulator. a switch member mounted upon said second insulator and swingable in a conical path laterally and outwardly away from the base to open the switch and simultaneously increase the striking distance between said switch member and the base, and means mounted upon said first insulator and contacting with the movable switch member in its closed position for completing a circuit therethrough.

5. In a switch, the combination of a supporting base, an insulator on said base, a second insulator mounted upon said base and lIlCllIlGdj at its outer end toward said first insulator, a switch member mounted upon said second insulator and swin able in a conical path laterally and outwar ly away from the base to open the switch and simultaneously increase the striking distance between said switch member and the base, means mounted upon said first insulator and contacting with the movable switch member in its closed "position for completing a circuit therethrough, and arcing horn means associated with said movable switch member and said last contacting means, and forming an outwardly increasing arcing path for dissipating arcs outwardly from said base.

6. In combination, a supporting base, a rotary insulator mounted upon said base and inclined thefizto, aswitch member mounted upon the outer end of said rotary insulator and swingable by rotation of said insulator in a conical path with the apex of said path adjacent the end of the insulator and the base of said conical path outwardly beyond the end of the insulator, said switch member having a closed position substantially parallel the base and means contacting with the movable switch member in its closedposition for completing a circuit therethrough.

7 In combination, a supporting base, a rotary insulator mounted upon said base and inclined thereto, a switch member mounted upon the outer end ot said rotary insulator and swingable by rota ion of said insulator in a conical path with the apex of said path adjacent the end of the insulator and the.

base of said conical path outwardly beyond the end of the insnaltor, said switch member having a closed position substantially parallel the base. means contacting with the. movable switch member in its closed position for completing a circuit theretln'migh, and areing horn means associated with said n'iovable switch member and said last contacting means, and forming an outwardly increasing arcing path for dissipating arcs outwardly from said base.

8. In a switch, a movable switch member having a generally horizontal closed position, means for swinging said switch member in a conical path laterally and upwardly to open position and means contacting with the movable switch member in its generally horizontal closed position forcompleting a circuit therethrough.

9. In a switch, a movable switch member having a generally horizontal closed position, means for swinging said switchmembcr in a conical path laterally and upwardly to open position, means contactingwith the movable switch member in its generally horizontal closed position for completing a circuit therethrough, and arcing horn means associated with said movable switch member and said last contacting means and forming an outwardly increasing arcing path for dissipating arcs outwardly from said base.

10. In a. switch, a movable switch member having av generally horizontal closed position, means for swinging said switch member in a conical path laterally and upwardly to open position, means contacting with the. movable switch member in its generally horizontal closed position for completing a circuit therethrough, a first supporting insulator for said last contacting means and a second insulator inclined at its outer end toward said first insulator, and supporting said movable switch member.

In witness whereof, we hereunto subscribe our names this 23rd day oi September, 1926.

WELDON O. HAMPTON. ERMINE .T. THOMPSON.

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