US1900584A - Switch operator - Google Patents

Description

March 7, 1933. J. c. REA

SWITCH OPERATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 5, 1928 W- A TTORNE YS.

FIElw INVENTOR.

By afa mes C. Pea

March 7; 1933. J. c. REA

SWITCH OPERATOR Filed Jan. 3, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR: Ry J'amesC. 792a,

ATTORNEYS.

March 7, 1933. J. c. REA

SWITCH OPERATOR Fild Jan. 3, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 o W a wag 5 v 4 W w w H PAP/WP: M a. MW

. Wm w N WF W Z w 4/ w a f March 7, 1933.

J. C. REA

swmcn OPERATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet Filed Jan. 5, 1928 IN VEN TOR James C. Pea

A TTORNE YS.

March 7, 1933.

. J. C. REA

SWITCH OPERATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 3, 1928 F 15.1 El- INVENTOR.

MWK

A TTORNE YS.

March 7, 1933. J. Q REA 1,900,584

SWITCH OPERATOR Filed Jan. 3, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 A TTORNE Y S Fatented Mar. 7, 1933 l UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application filed January 3, 1928. Serial No. 244,129.

This invention relates generally to appear from the following description in which paratus for effecting operations of electr cal I have set forth the preferred embodiment switches. It is particularly applicable to of my invention. It is to be understood'that systems for the remote control of large transthe appended claims are to be accorded a i i li it h- Y range of equivalents consistent with the state 55 .It is an object of this invention to simplify of the prior art. the construction of switch operators sothat Referring to the drawings: they can be more readily manufactured and Figure 1 is a side elevational view in cross will be more reliable in operation. section illustrating the mechanism constitut- 10 t is a further ob ect of thls invention to mg the switch operator of this invention.

improveupon the constructlon of switch p- F 1g. 2 1s a cross sectional elevational View erators ofthe general type disclosed in the of the mechanism as shown in Figure 1, as patent to Wilkins et al. No. 1,612,483 issued viewed from the left side of Fig. 1. December 28th, 1926. The operator dis- Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along closed in that patent utilizes spring means the ]ine.3-3 of Fig.1. 65 adapted to be placed in stressed condition Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along by a resetting device such as a motor. The the line 4l4 of Fig. 1. v spring means is retained in stressed condition Fig. 5 is a detail view illustrating the conby a pair of mechanisms, and responsive to struction and mode of operation of the mechsuccessive tripping of these mechanisms,two anism for controlling the switch for the re 76' different switching operations may be persetting motor. formed. At the end of the second operation, Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 5 illustratthe motor may be manually or automatically ing the mechanism of Fig. 5 in a different energized to restore the spring means to operating position.

stressed condition and to reset the mecha- Fig. 'l'is a detail illustrating the single nisms. While the disclosure in the Wilkins spring which is stressed by the resetting patent is the practical embodiment of generic motor. invention, the particular structure employed Fig. 8 is a cross sectional detail illustrat-' is comparativelycomplicated and expensive ingthe drive connection between the reset- "to 'manufacture. In this invention I have ting motor and the resetting crank. 80

provided'an apparatus capable of being used Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along in the system of Wilkins, but I have matethe line 9-9 of Fig. 8. v rially simplified the mechanical details. Fig. 10 is a side elevationalview partly For example I have utilized only a single in cross section, illustrating a standard form spring which must bepla'ced in stressed conof electrical switch being controlled by an dition by the motor, in place of two'springs operator constructed in accordance with this employed by WVilkins et al., although the invention.

apparatus still completes two switching op- F ig=11 is a cross sectional view taken along erations before a winding operation is rethe line 1111 of Fig. 10. 'q ir d; Figs. 12, 13, 1 1 and 15 are details illus- 93 It is a further object offthis invention to trating the mode of operation of the opgenerally improve upon the resetting Inechaerators. nism of a switch operator of the general type Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram illustrating shown in the lVilkinsPatent 1,612,483. the manner in which the operator is com- It is a further object of this invention to bined with an electrical switch for automatdevise a switch operator which may be ic operation. readily combined with'a high tension switch The invention may be outlined briefly as of the oil immersed type to form a relatively comprising a pair ofmechanisms, preferably compact switching unit. in the form of toggles, which are adapted to Further objects of the invention will apbe tripped for efi'ectingswitching operations.

tion to another,say from open to closed posi'tion, against the force of the bias. Upon subsequent tripping of the'other mecha-iv nisin the bias becomes effective to return the switch to open position. One or both mechanisms may be reset bymotor or manual means effective after two switching opera-' tions'have been effected, the resetting means also serving to restore the single spring to stressed condition. I v

The generalmanne'r in which the device of this invention is employed has been illustrated'in Fig. 10, in which I have shown an electrical switch ll of conventional constructionwhich is operated bymeans of a device 12 constructed in accordancewith this invention. WVhile a variety of electrical switches may be employed, it may be explained that the particular switch shown is adapted'to control polyphase' lines and is made up of a plurality of units 1, 2 and 3, each of which is provided'with a movable contact 13 adapted to cooperate with a pair of relativelystm tionary contacts 14. VVhcn the switch is used for heavy currents these contacts are generally in'nnersed in oil as shown. adapted'to be raised to closed and dropped to open position by some suitable actuat-j in member such as a rod 16. F or example I have sh'own a construction in which the movable contacts 13 are carried by rods 17 which are vertically. slidable and are con-' nected to rod 16 thru'a suitable motion transmission li'nkage 18. The movable contacts are biased as by means of gravity toward open position, and for providing an added force foretlecting separation of the contacts,

I preferablyutilize a spring 19 mounted upon rods 17'and which is adapted to be compressed when the contacts 13 and 1 1 are closed. I WVith this arrangem nt force must be applied to red 16 to simultaneously move the switch to closed position, but when rod 16 is released, the'switches are automatically returned to open position because oi the above mentioned bias. Adjacent one end of the switch 11, I have shown a bell crank 21 or other suitable member which is pivotally mounted as at 22 and which is connected to rod.16 as by means of link 23. Bell crank 21 is controlled by the operator 12 to effect reciprocation of actuating'rod 16.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 1 inclusive,

the moving parts of the operator are preferably enclosed in a suitable housing 26. The apparatus for effecting movement of the bell crank 21 includes two mechanisms indicated Contacts 13 are.

generally at 27 and 28, which are adapted to be tripped for effecting successive switch operations. These mechanisms maybe conveniently formed as collapsibletoggles and I have therefore shown mechanism 27 as com prising lmks 29 and 31 which are connected together as by means of pivot pin 32. Link 29 is pivotally mountedto the casing 26 as by means of pin 33, while link 31 is pivotally seouredfto anarin of the crank 21 as by means of pin 34. By means of abutting shoulders 36, toggle 27 maybe maintained extended but i slightly past dead center position when a force is exerted upon pivot pin 34in the direction of pin 33; Link 29'is preferably biased so as to tend to straighten the'toggle 27, as by means of a spring 37, one end of this spring hearing upon the link=29 and the other end bearing, upon the relatively stationary member 38. A finger 39 is also disposed upon shaft 33 and is fixed with respect to link .29. A solenoid or other magnetic device 41 is adapted I to engage this finger 39 and rotate link ,29 in a counter clockwise direction, thus effecting breaking of the toggle 21.

To e'mechanism 28 is likewise made up 7 an: of a pair of links 42, and 13 PIVOtflllY'COD- nected together as by means of pin 44. Link 12 1s 1ournal-ed w th respect to casing 26 as by means of shaft 16, while link 13' is pivot-Z ally connected to an arm 47 as by means of r .a pin and-slot connection 48. Toggle28 is f also adapted to be broken by suitable means such as a solenoid .49 which is arranged to engage a finger 51, this finger being disposed upon shaft' lG and fixed with respect to link As has been-previously mentioned, .I utillZQ a single spring which is adapted to be placed under stress during a resettingoperation, and this spring is preferably cooperatively associated with mechanisms 27 and 28 sothat both of these mechanisms carry a por-. tion of the force of the spring when in locked or extendedposition. The spring and associated linkage for correlating the same with mechanisms 27 and 28 is as follows: Arm {17 is journaled with respect to casing 26 as by means. of shaft 53, and fixed with respect to this arm, there is another arm 54'. Int-en posed between arm 54 and crank 21 there is a linkage consisting of links '56 and 57 which are pivotally connected together as by means of pin 58, while link 56 is pivotally connected to crank 21 as by means of pin 59 and link 57 ispivotally connected to arm 54 as by means of pin 61. Associated with links 56'and 57 in a manner to apply a force to pin 58, thereis a rod 62 or other suitable. force I apply ng 7 member. a I b For applying a force to rod 62 I preferably utilize single compression spring 63, and;

this spring is preferably disposed upon a suitable supportmg sleeve 64 within wh ch the rod 62 is sli dably, disposed,- As shown in detail in'Fig. 7 the upper end of sleeve 64 is provided with a cllar'66 or other suitable means forming an abutment for the upper end of spring. 68, while the lower end of the spring is adapted to seat upon a member 67 secured to the lower end of rod 62. The lower portion ofsleeve 64 is preferably slotted as indicated at 68 so as to permit relative sliding movement between rod 62 and sleeve 64.: A block 69 is secured to the lower end of sleeve 64, and journaled with respect to this block there is a crank pin 71, this crank pin -has been indicated .at- 74 and is preferably connected to the crank shaft 73 thru a suitable speed reduction drive. Such a drive connection may consist of a worm 76 fixed upon shaft 77 and whichis driven directly by motor 74. Worm 76 drives a worm gear 78 which is fixed upon a shaft 79, and also mounted upon shaft 79 there is another worm 81 adapted to drive a worm gear 82 mounted upon the crank shaft 7 3 Since I have designed the device of this invention so that the motor 74 is automatiopening and closing of the contacts.

cally energized to reset the tripping mechanisms and for reconditioning the spring 68,

I preferably provide suitable switches which 40 casing there is a switch 84'provided with contacts necessaryfor controlling the external circuit, and which is provided with the usual movable member 86 for COntIOlllXg s shown in detail in Fig. 6, switch 84 may be mounted upon a suitable bracket 87 fixed with respect to one wall of housing 26, and movable member 86 is cooperatively associated with a rod 88. Rod 88 is slidably retained with respect to the housing, as by means of brackets 89 and 91 slidably engaging the ends thereof. Fixed to the rod 88 there is an arm 92 having connection with a switch member 86, and disposed about rod 88 there is a compression spring 93. The low or end of compression spring 98 is adapted to seat against a suitable member fixed with respect to rod 88, such as an arm 92 while the upper endvis adapted to press against a "collar or other member 96 which is slidably disposed upon'rod 88. Collar 96 is adapted to be engaged by one side of an arm 97, while the other side of this arm is adapted to engage a collar 98 fixed with respect to rod88; Arm 97 is carried upon shaft 53 and is rotatable together with arms 54 and 47.

Rod 88 is associated with suitable means for retaining the same in its upper or raised position during a resetting operation of crank 72 and for releasing this rod to permit the same to move to its lower position under the force of spring 93 at the end of a resetting operation. To'provide such means I have shown a bell crank 100 having arms 101 and 102 and which is suitably journaled as by means of pin 103, this shaft being carried by a convenient bracket 104, (see Fig. 4). Arm 102 of this bell crank is connected to suitable biasing means such as a tension spring 105, whereby the crank is urged to rotate in a counterclockwise.direction. The other arm carries a finger 106 adapted to engage and cooperate with the ext-ended lower end 107 of rod 88'. Rotation of crank 101 in a counterclockwise direction is limited as by means of a stop pin 108, so that when this bell crank is permitted to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, finger 106 will be arrested directly below the extension 107. This position of the bell crank is clearly shown in Fig. 5. Also carried by pin 103 and journaled to the same there is a small lever 109 and this lever has secured thereto and'carries projecting pin 111. Pin 111 is adapted to be engaged and tripped by pin 112, this latter. pin being carried by the crank pin 71. Lever 109 is operably connected to the arm 102 by means of a pin 113.which is i fixed to and projects. from arm 102 and which engages in a slot 114 provided in the end of lever 109. The cooperative arrangement between lever 109 and the bell crank 100 is such that when pin 111' is tripped by rotation of crank 72,- rotation of lever 109 carries with it bell crank 100 and thus moves the bell crank out of engagement with the lower end of rod 88. c

In Fig. 2 I have shown another switch 116 which may be disposed within the housing 26, and this switch may be controlled directly by movements of the bell crank 21. For example I have shown this switch as directly connected to the bell crank as by means of a link 117.

The operation of the device may be best explained by referring to Figures 12 to 15 inclusive. Fig. 12 shows the principal parts of the mechanism with the spring 63 in stressed condition and the toggle mechanisms 27 and 28 extended. \Vhen in this condition pivot pin 58 is considerably above pivot pins 59 and 61 so that the force of spring 63 tends to move pins 59 and 61 apart. The force exerted upon pivot pin 59 tends to m tate crank 21 in a clockwise direction, but

such rotation is prevented by the toggle 27.

Likewise the force upon pivot pin 61 tends.

' to rotate arms 54 and 47 but such rotation is prevented by the toggle mechanism 28.

'JAssuming that the switch is now in open position,if itis desired to close the switch, toggle 27 is broken either manually or by electrical current applied to solenoid 41. As a result crank 21 is rotated in a clockwise direction and assumes the position shown in Fig. 13, while rod 62 moves downwardly under the force of spring 63 to straighten out the links 56 and 57 To open the switch after a closing operation, toggle 28 is broken either inanuallyor by electrical current applied to solenoid, 49, thus permitting arms 54 and 47 to rotate in a clockwisedirection and consequently permitting bell crank .21 to rotate back in a counterclockwise direction under fthenormal switch bias. The complete open position is shown in Fig. 14. When moving from closed to open position, it is to be noted that no force is applied to spring 63 and therefore this spring does not interfere with such movements. Furthermore the pivotal mounting of the lower end of sleeve 64 upon the crank 72 permits the upper end of rod 62 togetherwith spring 63 to swing bodily from the'position shown in Fig. 13 to that shown in Fig. 14 when the switch is open.

7 After the operator has again opened the switch and is in the position shown in Fig. 14, I preferably energize the motor 74, either automatically or otherwise-in order to effect a resetting operation. Before energizing the motor the crank 72. will occupyits lowest position shown in Figs. 12 to 14 inclusive. Upon energization of the motor crank 72 is rotated slowly in a counterclockwise direc- 9 tion and upon its upward movement lifts rod 62'to etlect resetting 01" both toggles 27 and 28 providing toggle 27 has not already been reset'during the preceding switch operation. During subsequent downward movement of 5 crank 72, rod 62 will be retainedin raised position by virtue of the set toggles 27 and 28, so that spring 63 is compressed. The motor is preferably deenergized when one revolution ofcrank 72 has been completed and this function maybe accomplished autoinatically by controlling the circuit of motor 74irom switch 84.

.VV hen the apparatus is in the position illust-rated in Figs. 12 and 13 it is to be noted "that the switch actuating rod 88 is in its lower position due to the position assumed a by arms 54 and 47. lVhen the position shown in Fig. 14 is assumed, rotation of arms 54 and 47 hit rod 88 and permit the finger 108 40 move'directly beneath the lower end or" the same. heretore when the crank '7 2 is rotated to effect a resetting operation, rotation of arms 54 and 47 to their original posi tion as illustrated in Fig. 15, merely com- ---presses spring 93 while the rod 88 is retained and L and are controlled respectively by in its upper, position by finger 106. When rod 88 is inits upper position switch 84 is in a position to permit'closing of the energizing circuit to the motor, so'that the motor is automatically energized to eliect a resetting operation when the apparatus assumes the position shown in Fig. 14. Due to the fact that rod 88 remains in its upper position while crank 72 is being rotated, the motor remains energized until the completion of one-revolution of crank72. 'Atthe end of the last half revolution of crank 72, pin 112 ens-a es and tri s in 111 thus causin fin er 106 to move out of engagement with the lower end of rod 88. Thus rod 88 is permitted to quickly return to its lower position toactuate switch 84 and thus deenergize the niotorcircuit.

Figure 16 is a circuit diagram illustrating 71161118111181 in which switches 84 and 116 are I connected to effect automatic resetting and winding operations- Switch 84 is preferably provided with three's-ets of contacts a, b and c, and is adapted to close contacts a and 6 while contacts 0 are open,and close contacts 0 when contacts a and b are open. Q Switch 116 is preferably provided with'tour, sets of contacts a, f, g and h and is adapted to eiiect closing of contacts 0 and f while contacts 9 and h are open, and'toclose con-- tacts g and h'while contacts e and f are open. Solenoids 41' and 49 are adaptedto be energized from a suitable sourceor" current such as represented by current supply lines L switches 121 and 122. The motor 4 is two adapted to'be energized from arsuitable source of current such as the lines L and L and its circuit includes certain of thecontacts of switch 84 and 116 as shown. Green and red signal lights G and R are also associated with the arrangement so as to give a light in dication of open andjclosed positions of the 121, solenoid 41, contacts 6 and back to line L thru contact 0 of switch 84. Energizing of solenoid 41 immediately breaks toggle '27 and thus causes closing of the main switch in a manner which I have previously'explained. 1 Closing of this main switch brings the operator tothe position shown in Fig.

13, and causes switch 116 to be actuated to open contacts 6 and f and close contacts g and h. Switch'84'however remains in the same position. To openthe main switch, switch 122 is closed to complete a circuit which may be traced from line L thru switch 122, solenoid 49, contacts 9, and back.

close contacts a and b and open contact a,

and switch 116 has been actuated to close contacts e and f and open contacts 9 and h. An energizing circuit for motor 74 is thus completed from lines L and L thru contacts a and b, The motor then operates to effect a complete revolution of crank 72, during the first half of which the toggle 28 is reset and during the last half of which the spring 63 is retensioned. I At the completion of one revolution of crank 72 switch 84 is again actuatedin a manner which has been previously described, to close contact 0 and open contacts sand I), thus de-energizing the motor and preventing further rotation of crank 72. The operator is now in position to effect two more switching operations before a resetting operation is necessary. As long as the switch is closed, the red light Ris illuminated, while when the switch is open thegreen light G is illuminated. The circuit for lamp R may be traced from line L thru contact h and back thru line L so that as long as contacts 9 and 72, are closed, lamp R will be illuminated. The circuit for lamp Gr may be traced from line L, thru contacts f and back thru line L, so that as long as contacts 6 and f are closed, lamp G will be illuminated.

I claim r 1. In a switch operator, two mechanisms adapted to be tripped for controlling switch operations, means biasing said switch toward one of two. positions, linkage means interconnecting both said mechanisms, spring means adapted to apply opposed forces to two points, one of said points being located on said linkage means and movable for operations of said switch to either of said positions, the other of said points being relatively fixed, and means cooperably associating said mechanisms and said linkage means with said switch for effecting the other one of said switching operations in response to tripping of one of said mechanisms, said stationary point of spring application being positioned so that said bias may move the switch to said one position without affecting the condition of said spring.

' 2. In a switch operator, a single spring, twotripable mechanisms for conjointly retalning said spring in tensioned condition, means for effecting two switch operations upon separate tripping of said mechanisms, and means for first resetting both of said mechanisms into tripping position and for then restoring said spring to stressed condition after the second switch operation.

3. In a switch operator for effecting at least two switching operations, a spring means 'for effecting at least one of said switch operations, support means for said spring means, linkage means .formaintaining said spring means in stressed condition, said spring means being adapted to apply its force to a fixed and a movable point of application, the position of said movable point of application shifting with respect to said support for each switch operation.

4-. In a switch operator for effecting the j operations of a switch biased to open position independently. of said operator, amovable member connecting said switch and said operator, spring means effective to movesaid memberin one direction to causeone of the two operations of said switch, means comprising a pair of mechanisms for conjointly maintaining said spring means in stressed condition and for rendering the same ineffective to cause a switch. operation, said spring means causing said one switching operation upon the tripping of one of said mechanisms, and means. for permitting free return movement of said member for per forming said other switching operation.

5. In a switch operator, a pair of mechanisms adapted to be tripped, linkage mechanism interconnecting said mechanisms, an ac+ tuating rod connected to said linkage mecha nism and to a normally fixed point, and a spring in stressed condition cooperatively positioned on said rod and applying itsforce to the points of connection of said rod.

6. In a switch operator, a pair of toggle mechanisms adapted to be tripped successively to effect at least two switch operations, means for resetting said mechanisms when tripped, said means being operative only upon a succession of operations of said toggle mechanisms, means connecting said resetting means and said toggle mechanisms, and

a spring positioned on said connecting means and adapted to be restored to stressed condition by said resetting means after successive switch operations.

7. In a switch operator, spring means for supplying power for switching operations, two tripable mechanisms for effecting control of said spring means, and resetting means efiective first to reset said mechanisms and then to retension said spring means.

8,. In a switch operator, toggle mechanisms adapted to be tripped to effect at least two switch operations, and a spring in stressed condition co-operatively associated therewith having two points of application, one of said points being relatively fixed during said switch operations, the other of said points of application being movable during both of said switch operations.

9. In a switch operator, toggle mechanisms adapted to be tripped to efiect at least two switch operations, means for resetting said toggle mechanisms when tripped, and spring means for biasing said mechanisms to set position, said spring means being positioned between a point capable of only radial movement and a, point on said mechanisms laterally movable for both of said switch opera- 5 tions. I r

10. In a switch operator, toggle mechanisms adapted to be tripped to eflfect at least two switch operations, toggle linkage interconnectingsaid mechanism, and a spring cooperatively associatedwith said linkageand' having a point of application thereon, said point of application being movable for both of said switch operations.

11. In a switch operator,toggle mecha- 15 nisms adapted to be tripped to effect at least two switch operations, linkage interconnecting said toggle mechanisms, a crank mem-' her, a spring having a pointof application on said crank member and a point of applica- 1 2 tion on said linkage, saidpoint on the linkage being movable for both ojc'said switch opera- 'lZlOIlS.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand. 3 JAMES C. REA.

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