Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
10~5~898
The present invention relates to improvements to
motor driven operators for high voltage switches, and more
particularly, the present i-nvention relates to means ~or
preventing a manually operable crank handle from engaging
a switch operating mechanism until stored energy has been
released and means for disconnecting the drive shaft and
locking the drive shaft of a switch operating mechanism
when maintenance or testing is to be performed.
The present invention comprises improvements to
the switch operating mechanism disclosed in U.S. Patent
No.i3,508,179 - Bernatt et al., issued April 21, 1970.
Motor driven operating mechanisms for high voltage switches
are well known in the art. Such mechanisms are also dis-
closed in U.S. Patent No..3,432,780 - Evans et al., issued
March 11, 1979. Typically, such switch operating mechanisms
are motor driven and controlled by remotely located control
circuitry which causes automatic operation of the switch
operating mechanism in response to appropriate control sig-
nals from the co~trol circuitry. For example, the control
circuitry may be designed to sense fault conditions in the
electrical tra~smission system so that the high voltage
switches are rapidly operated to open the high voltage
circuit when a fault condition exists. However, although
the high voltage switch is usually remotely controlled, it
is desirable to also provide a means for manually operating
the switch operating mechanism at a location adjacent the high
voltage switches. Further, it is often desirable to disconnec~
the operating mechanism from the high voltage switches so that
the operating mechanism can be tested and maintenance performed
without the necessity of operating the high voltage switches
-2-
-` 1(W9898
-and thereby interrupting the high voltage circuit.
Since the high voltage switches are typically
interconnected by long drive and interphase shafts, and since
the mechanism is ordinarily driven by a motor driving through
a gear train having a substantial gear reduction so that
substantial torque is imparted to the system, the drive shaft
and interphase shafts typically are placed under torsional
stress when the switch is operated. A brake mechanism is
usually provided which locks the motor immediately after power
is removed so that the torsional energy remains stored in the
system until released when the brake is released.
When manual operation is desired, a crank handle is
typically connected to the mechanism and the brake is released
so that the switches can be operated manually. However, when
the brake is released, any torsional energy stored in the
system (e.g., in the drive and interphase shafts) is also
released, energy sometimes causing a rapid whipping of the
manually operable crank handle which may harm the operator.
Canadian Patent Application No. 268,667, of which this applica-
tion is a divisional, provides means for preventing engagement
of the crank handle with the switch operating mechanism until 1-
the torsional energy has been released thereby avoiding possible
unexpected whipping of the crank handle.
Further, since high voltage switches are typically
mounted well a~ove ground on towerlike supports, these
switches experience externally applied forces resulting from
wind and vibration. Accordingly, unless the drive shaft is
locked, it is possible for the switches to inadvertently and
accidentally move from a closed position to an opened
position or vice versa when such movement is not
108~8
desirable. The present invention therefore provides an
improved means for locking the drive shaft whenever the drive
shaft is disconnected from the operating mechanism so that
maintenance and testing can be performed on the switch oper-
ating mechanism without the risk of the high voltage switches
accidentally opening or closing.
The invention as claimed herein is broadly an improved
operating mechanism for a high-voltage switch, the mechanism
including a motor for rotating a drive shaft connected to the
switch, comprising:
means rotatable with the drive shaft for selectively
coupling the motor to, or decouplingthe motor from, the drive
shaft;
a protrusion on the coupling means; and
a locking member constrained from rotating and having
.. .. .
an opening therein, the coupling means and the locking member
being relatively movable so that (a) when the coupling means
decouples the motor from the drive shaft, the opening engages
the protrusion to prevent drive shaft rotation, and (b) when
the coupling means couples the motor to the drive shaft, the
opening disengages the protrusion to permit drive shaft rotation.
The invention as claimed herein is also an improved
operator for a high-voltage switch which is opened and closed
by rotation of a drive shaft; the operator being of the type
in which a motor is normally coupled to the drive shaft for
selective rotation thereof upon its energization; the improve-
ment comprises:-
a clutch means disengageably connecting the gear trainto the drive shaft, said clutch means having protrusions
extending therefrom;
a selector handle mounted for pivotable movement
between a first and second position;
A ~ 4 ~
9898
a selector shaft connected to said selector handle
for pivotable movement with said selector handle;
means operably connected with said selector shaft
for causing the clutch means to engage the gear train when
said selector handle is in the first position, and for
causing said clutch means to disengage the gear train when
said selector handle is in the second position; and
a locking plate positioned around the drive
shaft adapted to move along the drive shaft but constrained
from rotating, said locking plate having a plurality of
openings therein adapted to engage said protrusions on said
clutch means when said clutch means disengages the gear
train to prevent the drive shaft from rotating, and to
disengage said protrusions when said clutch means engages
the gear train so that the drive shaft can be rotated by
the gear train.
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1089898
These and other advantages and features of the
present invention will hereinafter appear, and for the purposes
of illustratioh~ but not for limitation, an exemplary embodi-
ment of the present invention is illustrated in accompanying
drawings.
FIGURE 1 is an upper perspective view of a three-
phase high voltage switch arrangement having an improved
switch operating mechanism in accordance with the present
invention connected thereto.
FIGURE 2 is a front plane view of the improved
switch operating mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a front plane view of the improved
switch operating mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 2 having the ~-
front removed therefrom to expose the internal components.
FIGURE 4 is a right side plane view of the improved
switch operating mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 5A is an enlarged front partially fragmentary
partially cross sectional view of the upper portion o.f the
improved switch operating mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 5B is an enlarged front partially fragmen- -
tary view of the lower portion of the improved switch opera-
ting mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 6A is a left side partially fragmentary par-
tially cross sectional view of the upper portion of the improved
switch operating mechanism in accordance with the present ~ --
invention.
FIGURE 6B is a left side partially cross-sectional,
10~9898
partially fragmentary view of the lower portion of the im-
proved switch operating mechanism in accordance with the
present invention.
FIGURE 7 is a view taken substantially along line 7-7
in FIGURE 6A.
FIGURE 8 is a side partially cross sectional view
taken substantially along line 8-8 in FIGURE 7.
FIGURE 9 is a view of the piston assembly of the me-
chanism of the present invention taken substantially along
line 9-9 in FIGURE 6A.
FIGURE 10 is a right side partially fragmentary par-
tially cross sectional view of the upper portion of the
improved switch operating mechanism in accordance with the
present invention.
FIGURE 11 is a side partially cross-sectional view of
the cam mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 10.
FIGURE 12 is a side partially cross-sectional view of
the cam mechanism shown in an operated position.
FIGURE 13 is a top view of the selector handle and
locking arrangement of the mechanism in accordance with
the present invention.
FIGURE 14 is a top view of the follower and shaft
arrangement illustrated in FIGURE 10.
FIGURE 15 is a side partially cross-sectional view
of the splined coupling and locking arrangement of the me-
chanism of the present invention.
FIGURE 16 is a view of the splined coupling and
locking arrangement of the mechanism of the present inven-
tion shown in the locked position.
FIGURE 17 is a view showing the splined coupling
1089898
and locking arrangement being moved between its two positions.
FIGURE 18 is a front partially cross-sectional view
of the manually operable crank handle of the mechanism of the
present invention.
FIGURE l9 is a side partially fragmentary view of
the splined coupling and clutch coupling bar arrangement of
the mechanism of the present invention.
With reference to FIGURE 1, a perspective view of a
three-pole or three-phase high voltage switch for connection
in a power transmission system is illustrated. Only one of
the switch poles is shown completely, and the insulators and
base for each of the other poles is only partially shown. The -~
three-pole, high voltage switch is indicated generally by
numeral 10, and is suitable for use in conjunction with high
voltage electrical alternating current power transmission lines.
The high voltage switch can be constructed in the manner dis-
closed in U.S. Patent No. 3,116,391 - Lindell et al., issued
December 30, 1963, or in accordance with other well known con-
structions. The individual switch poles are indicated by the
numerals 11, 12 and 13. Each switch pole includes a base mem-
ber 14 of suitable channel construction or the like having at
its ends stationary insulators 15 and 16, and a rotatable
insulator 17 mounted intermediate its ends. The insulator
1~ is rotatable through an angle of approximately 100 for
the purpose of moving an interrupter operating mechanism 18
at its upper end through its operating cycle. Between the
stationary insulator 16 and the interruptor operating
mechanism 18 there is positioned a current interrupter
.
- --8--
108g898
19 which is arranged to be opened to interru~t the circuit
- before the switch blade 20 is swung out of engagement with
a switch contact assembly indicated generally by numeral
21 carried by stationary insulator 15.
For effecting simultaneous operation of the
rotatable insulators 17, laterally extending arms 24 are
connected by links 25 to arms 26 which extend from
interphase shafts 27 which are suitably journalled on the
base members 14. Interphase shafts 27 are driven through
a gear box 28 by a vertically extending drive shaft 29
that is arranged to be rotated through an angle of approxi-
mately 180. At its lower end, the drive shaft 29 is
connected by a shaft coupling and bearing assembly 30 to
a switch operating mechanism 31. Switch operation mechanism
31 is enclosed in a weatherproof housing 32. An access
door 33 is provided for the housing 32 which can be locked
against unauthorized entry. Above the access door 33 is
a front cover 34 in which is provided a window 35 to permit
inspection of a portion of the interior of housing.32 and
particularly the portions of the operating mechanism therein.
A manually operable crank handle assembly 36 is arranged to
be folded over front cover 34 and to be folded out to an
operating position so that it can be rotated to operate
the switch operating mechanism in a manner to be herein-
., .
after described. The housing 32 includes a side wall 37
on which a selector handle 38 is located supported by a
selector handle mount 39 mounted on side wall 37.
; With references to FIG~RES 2, 3, and 4, the
.. .
reference character 42 designates, generally, frame means
which includes the weatherproof housir,g 32 and frame plates
, .
:
- . _g_
10~9898
and angle shaped frame parts that are nnt specifically
identified herein. The shaft coupling and bearing assembly
30 is mounted on top of housing 32 and has depending
therefrom a shaft extension 43 (see FIGURE 6A) which is
connected directly to the switch drive shaft 29 and rotates
conjointly therewith. The shaft extension 43 is suitably
mounted by bearings 41 so that it will rotate freely.
With respect to FIGURE 3, mounted inside housing
32 are a variety of components including motor 50,
auxiliary switch 52, extra auxiliary switch 54, motor
open contactor switch 56, motor close contactor switch 58,
position indicating lamps 60, utility lamp outlet and
switch 62, and terminal blocks 64. Auxiliary switch ~2
is constructed in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 3,852,542 -
Rogers et al., issued December 3, 1974 and operates in the
manner described therein and does not form a part of the
present invention.
With reference to FIGURES 5A and 6A, shaftextension 43 extends through the top of housing 32.and is
-20 supported by bearings 41 for rotation as previously
described. ~lounted on shaft extension 43 immediately below
bearing 41 is a sprocket 70 firmly mounted on shaft exten-
sion 43 by a set screw 71 so that sprocket 70 and shaft
extension 43 rotate conjcintly. Trained around sprocket 70
is a drive chain 7~ indicated generally by dotted lines in
FIGU~ES 5A, and 6A. The lower end of shaft extension 43
;has splines 73 (See FI~æ 19) suitably formed receive a mating splined
coupling 74 that forms a part of motor clutch assembly 76.
..
Splined coupling 74 is adapted to slide vertically on the
end of shaft extension 43 but to rotate conjointly therewith.
--10--
10~9898
With r~C~rence to FIG~RE 19, splined cou~ling
74 has formed in the lower end thereof a slot 78 for
receiving a coupling bar 80 that is mounted on the end
of a shaft 8~`. Thus, in the position illustrated in
S FIGURE 19, when shaft 82 is rotated, coupling bar 80
engages slot 78 causing splined coupling 74 to rotate
shaft.extension 43 through the splined connection between
shaft extension 43 and splined coupling 74.
With reference to FIGURE 6A, shaft 82 is suit-
ably mounted for rotation by bearings 84. Firmly mountedon shaft 82 is a sprocket 86 over which is trained a drive
chain 88 indicated generally by the dotted lines in FIGURE
6A. Sprocket 86 is also attached to shaft 82 by a set
screw (not shown) so that sprocket 86 rotates with shaft 82.
Also mounted on shaft 82 is a gear 90 that also rotates
~Jith shaft 82. Gear 90 engages a driving gear 92 firmly ~-
mounted on a shaft 94 that is suitably mounted for rotation ~ .
by bearing assemblies 96. Mounted to the top of shaft 94 -
. is a bevel gear 98 that also rotates with shaft 94: Bevel
gear 98 engages another bevel gear 100 that is firmly
attached to a shaft 102. Shaft 102 is suitably mounted
for rotation by bearing assemblies 104. Mounted to one
end of shaft 102 by a nut 106 is a sprocket 108 over which
is trained a drive chain 110 indicated generally by dotted
. 25 lines in FIGURE 6A.
With reference to FIGURE 5B, drive chain 110 is
also trained around a geared sprocket 112 which engages a
gear 114 on the ~.haft 116 of motor 50. Thus, operation
of motor 50 causes drive chain 110 to rotate sprocket 108
which in turn rotates shaft 102 causing bevel gear 100 to
- --11-- ,
1089898
rotate b~vel gear 98 and s~.aft 94. Rotation of shaft 94
causes gear 92 to rotate gear 90 which in turn causes
shaft 82 to rotate. Rotation of shaft 82 causes splined
coupling 74 a~d shaft extension 43 to rotate if coupling
bar 80 engages slot 78 in splined coupling 74. Thus, the
operation of motor 50 causes the pre~iously described gear
train to rotate shaft extension 43 which in turn rotates
drive snaft 29 through coupling assembly 30 to cause opera-
tion of the high voltage switch 10.
With reference to FIGVRE 5A, drive chain 72 is
trained around a sprocket 120 that is mounted on a shaft
122 that is mounted for rotation within housing 52. Thus,
when sprocket 70 is rotated when shaft extension 43 is
rotated, drive chain 72 causes sprocket 120 and shaft 122
to rotate. Mounted for rotation with shaft 122 is a
position indicating drum 124 that rotates with shaft 122.
A sprocket assembly 126 is mounted for rotation
around shaft 122, but is free to rotate independently of .
shaft 122. Sprocket assembly 126 comprises a sprocket 128
over which is trained drive chain 88 the other end of
which is trained around sprocket ~6 mounted on shaft 82
- (see FIGURE 6A). Thus, sprocket 86 is rotated when
shaft 82 is rotated causing drive chain 88 to rotate .
sprocket 128. Mounted to rotate conjointly with sprocket
. 25 128 is a sprocket 130 and a position indicating drum 132.
Thus, when drive chain 88 rotates sprocket 128, sprocket
130 and position indicating drum 132 are also rotated
around and independent of shaft 122. Trained over
sprocket 130 is a drive chain 134 which en~Ja~es a sprocket
136 mounted on the end of shaft 138 of auxiliary switch 52.
. -12- -
.
1089898
Thus, rotat~n Oc s?-oc~et 136 c~uses thc oi-eratlon of
auxiliary s~i.ch 2S more specifically described in U.S.
Patent No. ',~32,542 - Rogers, et al.
Wi.h reference to FIGUl~ES 6A and 18, a cran~
handle asser~ly 36 substantially similar to the ass,embly
illustrated in U.S. Patent No.f3,508,179 - Bernatt et al.
is illustrat~d. Ho~ever, some improvements hereinafter
described ha~e been made to this assembly. Crank handle
assembly 36 com?rises a handle 140 that is normally folded
in a folded ?osition over the front of housing 32. Handle
140 has a bifurcated end forming arms 142 having circular
openings therein through which extend shafts 144 and 146.
Shafts 144 a~d 146 are keyed to arms 142 by keys 148 so
that rotatio~ of handle 140 in the direction indicated by
arrow A in FIGU,~E 6A causes shafts 144 and 146 to also
rotate. Sha~ts 144 and 146 are supported for'rotation by
a crank handle support 150. MGunted to the ends of shafts
144 and 146 within crank handle support 150 by set screws
154 are drive discs 152. Pinnéd between drive discs 152 by
a pin 156 is a drive link 158. The other end of link 158
is pinned to push rod 170 by pin 168. A cover 160 is
b'olted to the end of crank handle support 150 and a
latch pull k~ob 162 is mounted through cover 160. Screwed
into the end of latch pull knob 160 is a bolt 164 which
engages an o?ening in th~ edge of drive disc 152 so that
drive'disc 152 cannot be rotated until latch pull knob 62
is moved in .he direction of arrow B in FIGURE 6A. A
spring 166 normally urges pull knob 162 in a direction
opposite of 2rrow B in FIGURE 6A.
When latch pull knob 162 is pulled out, handle
. -13-
1089898
140 can be pivoted in the direction of arrow A which
-in turn causes drive discs 152 to rotate in the direction
of arrow C in FIGURE 6A. This causes link 158 to push
against pin 168 through the end of push rod 170 causing
push rod 170 to move in the direction of arrow D in
FIGURE 6A. Mounted on the end of push rod 170 is a strap
172 which engages against a plate 174 to move plate 174
in the direction of arrow D in FIGURE 6A. Plate 174 is
mounted on a rod 244 by a bolt 175 and is urged to the
right (opposite the arrow D) as viewed in FIGURE 6A by spring
177.
Crank handle support 150 has a reduced portion
176 which extends through a front cover support 178 and
is supported for rotation by a bearing 180. Splined within
the end of reduced portion 176 is a piston assembly 182.
Piston assembly 182 comprises springs 184 that ride against
strap 172 thereby urging piston assembly 182 in the
direction of arrow D in FIGURE 6A. Strap 172 extends
through slots 183 in piston assembly 182. Thus, when push
rod 170 is moved in the direction of arrow D in FIGURE 6A,
piston assembly 182 also tends to move in the direction of
arrow D under the urging of springs 184. The splined
connection ~etween piston assembly 182 and reduced portion
176 of crank handle support 150 causes piston assembly
182 to rotate with handle 140 but allows piston assembly
to move laterally within reduced portion 176.
With reference to FIGURES 6A and 9, the end of
piston assembly 182 is generally circular but has formed
thereon ears 186 which extend radially from the circum-
ference thereof. Also formed in the end of piston assembly182 is a slot 188, the purpose of which will be more
~0~898
ully described hereinafter.
With reference to FIGURES 6A and 7, mounted to
an interior wall of housing 32 is a support bracket 190
on which are mounted plates 192. ~Jith reference to
FIGURES 7 and 8, plates 192 have formed therein slots
194 through which bolts 196 extend. Spacers 198 are
positioned within slots 194 to hold the head of bolt 196
away from plates 192 so plates 192 can ride freely along
slots 194. Springs 200 are connected between plates 192
so that plates 192 are generally urged towards one
another. Plates 192 have a semi-cixcular opening 202
formed in opposite edges thereof overlying a larger ~-
opening 204 in bracket 190. In their normal position,
plates 192 are separated leaving a space 206 therebetween.
The diameter of the semi-circular openings 202 is suffi-
ciently large to allow the circular portion of the end of
piston assembly 182 to pass therethrough, but not suffi-
ciently large to allow ears 186 to pass therethrough.
Ears 186 must be aligned with the space 206 between
plates 192 before piston assembly 182 can be moved between
plates 192. Formed on the end of shaft 102 is a flattened
extension 208 which is dimensioned to engage the slot 188
in the end of piston assembly 182. Ears 186 have a
beveled surface 187 on the backside thereof which is
sufficiently slanted to allow the ears 186 to spread
plates 92 when piston assembly 182 is withdrawn fro~ ;
between plates 182 and the ears 186 are oriented as in
FIGVRE 9.
With reference to FIGURE 13, selector handle
38 and selector handle mount 39 are shown turned exactly
90 with respect to the top view shown in FIGURE 14 so
. . . ,: .. .
10~9898
that the construction of handle 38 and mount 39 could be
described with respect to a side view. Selector handle
38 is mounted for rotation througll handle mount 39, and
mounted to the end of selector handle 38 by pin 210 is
a sleeve 212 having a hexagonal opening 214 formed in the
end thereof. Hex opening 214 is adapted to engate _he hex-
agonaI end 216 of shaft 218. Shaft 218 is generally
hexag~nally shaped but has rounded portions 220 and 222
that ride in bearings 223 so that shaft 218 can freely
rotate. Mounted on shaft 218 for rotation therewith is a
cam 224.
With reference to FIGURES 10 and 14, a protrusion
226 on cam 224 rides against a roller 228 pinned to arm
230 mounted and keyed on a shaft 232. Shaft 232 is
1~ rotatably mounted by bearings 233. Also mounted and keyed
to shaft 232 are arms 234 and 236. Connected to the end
of arm 234 by a pin 238 is a connecting rod 240. Con-
nected to the end of arm 236 by a pin 242 is a connecting
rod 244. Rotation of shaft 218 and cam 224 in a clockwise
direction as viewed in FIGURES 10 and 11 causes arm 230
to be pivoted in a clockwise direction when protrusion 226
pushes against roller 228. This clockwise rotation causes
arms 234 and 236 to pivot in a clockwise direction as
viewed in FIGURE 10 causing connecting rod 240 to move
downwardly and conne~-ting rod 244 to move towards the right
as viewed in FIGURE 10. Accordingly, the pivoting of handle ~-
38 from the position illustrated by the solid lines in
FIGURE 4 to the position illustrated by the dotted lines
in FIGVRE 4 causes cam 224 to pivot from the position
illustrated in FIGVRES 10 and 11 to the position
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illus~rated in ~IGURE 12 causing arms 234 ~3~d 236 to
~ivot 2S pr~viously describcd.
With reference to FIGURES 10, 13, 15, 16, 17 and
l9, motor clutch assembly 76 is illustrated. ~lounted for
rotation on shaft 218 are cam arms 246 that have formea
therethrough a hexagonal opening that engages with sha,t
218 so that cam arms 246 pivot with shaft 218. ~ounted
on .he end of cam arms 246 are pins 248 which ride in
slots 250 in the side of lever arms 252. Lever arms 252
zre mounted on bearings 254 which ride on rounded portions
221 of shaft 218 so that lever arms 252 can freely pivot
between the two positions illustrated in FIGURE 17. Mounted
to the end of lever arms 252 by shafts 256 are slides 258
(only one of which is shown) which ride in a groove 260
fonmed circumferentially aroun~ splined coupling 74.
A lock plate 262, having circular opening 264
through which shaft extension 43 extends, normally rides
above spline coupling 74. Lock plate 262 has rollers 266
pinned to side flanges 267 thereof which ride on the upper
edge of lever arms 252. Flanges 267 have slots 269 through
which shaft$ 256 extend. Lock plate 262 has a series of
small circular openings 268 equally spaced at a constant
-adius around the center of circular opening 264 and aligned
to engage pins 270 in splined coupling 74 when splined
coupling 74 is moved in upward direction as illustrated
in PIGURE~ 16.
~ith reference to FIGURES 5B and 6B, rod 240
e~tends downwardly and the end thereof is connected to a
'itting 272. Mounted to the end of fitting 272 is a bolt
30 273 and a spacer 274 upon which pivotably rides brake lever
-17-
1089898
276. ~lso connected to fitting 272 by bolt 273 is a
~-e-tically extending arm 278. Thus, downward movement
Oc ro~ 2~0 causes brake lever 276 to pivot downwardly and
also calses a~m 278 to move downwardly.
Brake lever 276 is connected to a brake mechanism
(not shown in detail), which locks motor 50 whenever motor
50 is not in operation. Such a typical lock arrangement
is morespeci~ically described in U.S. Patent No. 3,508,179 - -
Eernatt et al. and does not specifically form a part of the
present invention. However, it should be understood that
the bra'~e ~echanism prevents the operation of the motor 50
so i the high voltage switch 10 is coupled to the motor
50, it remains in whatever position it was in when the motor
50 ce2sed operation. This prevents the switch from acciden-
tally opening or closing as a result of wind or vibrational
forces. The motor brake is ordinarily operated by a solenoid
2rra~senent (not shown) which immediately unlocks the motor
~hen power is applied to the motor 50. However, the brake
can be ~echanically operated by the movement of brake lever
276. Downward movement of rod 240 causes the brake to
release and the brake is locked when brake lever 276 is in
the ~osition shown in FIGURE 5B.
Pivotably mounted to arm 278 by pins 280 are
switch ca~s 282. Switch cams 282are pivotably mounted at
one end by pins 284 supported by brackets 286 so that
do~warcly movement of arm 278willpivotswitch cams 282
frcm ~he position illustrated in solid lines in FIGURE 6B
to the Fosition illustrated by dotted lines in FIGURE 6B
SQ tha~ the edge of cams 282 engage follower arms 288 on
3~ r,~tor con.actor switches 56 and 58. Switches 56 and
~8 a~e solenoid operated switches which are operated to
1089898
co~tr3l the operation of mo.or 50 from appropriate cont-~ol
circuitry. Iiowever, when switch cams 280 are moved to
engagement with follower arms 288, switches 56 and 58
are ~.echanically disabled so that they cannot operate to
supply power to motor 50.
Switch operating mechani.sm 31 is adapted for
operation either automatically or manually. Automatic
operation is effected by appropriate control circuitry
(not shown) to effectuate motorized operation of mechanism
31 as generally described in U.S. Patent No. 3,508,179 -
Bernatt et al. The automatic operation of mechanism 31
does not form a part of the present invention but
for explanatory purposes, a brief description will be given.
Assuming that switch 10 is in a closed position, receipt
of an appropriate control signal (indicating for example
a fault condition) causes motor open contactor switch 56
to operate supplying power to motor 50 so that it will rotate
in a direction to cause the gears to rotate to pivot drive
shaft 29 in a direction to ope~ switch 10. Similarly,
2b receipt of an appropriate signal to close switch 10 causes
motor close contactor switch 58 to operate to cause motor
50 to reverse directions and rotate drive shaft 29 in the
opposite direction to close switch 10.
However, it is often desirable to operate
mechanism 31 manually or to disconnect drive shaft 29 so
that the mechanism 31 can be operated to determine whether
it will operate properly without operating switches 10. Th`e
~ present invention involves improved means for manually
operating and disconnecting mechanism 31.
If it is desired to manually operate mechanism 31,
.
.
.
1089898
handle 140 of crank handle assembly 36 is pivoted in the
direction of arrow A in FIGURE 6A until it reaches the
position generally indicated by the dotted lines in FIGURE
6A. As previously described, this rotation causes link 158
to push rod 170 in the direction of arrow D in FIGURE 6A
so that strap 170 pushes against plate 174 causing plate
174 and rod 244 to move towards the left as viewed in
FIGURE 6A. Since rod 244 is connected to arm 236, arm
236 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction as viewed
in FIGURE 6A causing arm 234 to also pivot in a counter-
clockwise direction on shaft 232. This causes rod 240 to
move in a downward direction, and as previously described
with respect to FIGURES 5~ and 6B, this downward movement
of rod 240 causes brake lever 276 to pivot downwardly re-
leasing the brake on motor 50 and switch cams 282 to en- -
gage follower arms 288.
Since drive shaft 29 and interphase shafts 27 are
relatively long members, torsional energy may be stored
in these members as a result of the previous operation of
mechanism 31. This torsional energy is stored as a result
of the operation of the motor brake, but when the brake :~
is released, the torsional energy is released causing pi-
votal movement of shaft 29. Since there is a direct gear
train connection between shaft 29 through shaft extension
43, shaft 82, gear 90, gear 92, bevel gear 98, and bevel
gear 100 to shaft 102, the torsional energy stored in drive
shaft 29, and interphase shafts 27 will cause a sudden al-
though relatively small angular rotation of shaft 102.
If handle 140 were directly connected to shaft 102, the
release of this torsional energy could result in an unde-
sirable rapid rotation or whipping of handle 140.
- 20 -
lOB9898
To avoid possible sudden rotation or whipping of h~n-
dle 140 as a result of the release of this torsional en-
ergy, the present invention is designed to prevent coupl-
ing between shaft 102 and handle 140 until this torsional
energy has been released. Specifically, as previously
pointed out, when handle 140 is pivoted to the operating
position, piston assembly 182 is moved in the direction of
arrow D in FIGURE 6A but ears 186 engage the edge of plates
192 preventing slot 88 from engaging the flattened exten-
sion 208 on the end of shaft 102 until such tim~ as piston
assembly 182 is rotated until ears 186 are aligned with
space 206 between plates 192 so that springs 184 can urge
piston assembly 182 into engagement with shaft 102. Since
the release of the torsional energy is almost instantaneous
upon release of the motor brake, and since it takes a
period of time for the operator to pivot the handle to a
position where the ears 186 on piston assembly 182 align
with the space 206, the torsional energy is dissipated be-
fore there can be a direct mechanical linkage between the
handle 140 and the end of shaft 102. Once slot 188 engages
flattened extension 208 on the end of shaft 102, handle
140 can be pivoted to cause shaft 102 to rotate which in
turn causes shaft 29 to rotate through the previously des-
cribed gear train.
An additional feature of the present invention is
that rod 240 is moved downwardly as handle 140 is pivoted
to an operating position as a result of the engagement of
strap 172 with plate 174. Consequently, arm 278 is also
moved downwardly until switch cams 282 engage follower
arms 288 on switches 56 and 58 disabling the switches so
that
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if an automatic co.~t~^ol si~l~al i5 ~-ecei~ed wh.i~e the h~ndle
: is in the operating position, the motor will not operate.
This is a very ir,lportant'feature since operation of the
motor would cause a hazardous rapid rotation of the handle
140.
Once the desired manual operation has been
comple,ted, handle 14Q is pivoted back to the position
illustrated by the solid lines in FIGURE 6A causing link
158 to pull push rod 170 in a direction opposite to the
arrow D in FIGURE 6A thereby pulling piston assembly 182
towards the right as viewed in FIGURE 6A. The beveled
surfac'es 187 on ears 186 are sufficiently slanted ~o cause
plates 192 to spread under the urging of springs 200 so
that piston assembly 182 can be disengaged from the end
of shaft 102 and withdrawn from between plates 192.
It is also often desirable to disconnect mechanism
31 from shaft 29 so that mechanism 31 can be operated
either manually or au,tomatically to assure proper cperation .
thereof without concurrent operation of the switch 10.
However, since it is not desirable to allow shaft 29 to be
in an unloc~ed condition which could result in switch
10 accidentally opening-or closing as a result of wind or
vibrational forces, it is also desirable to lock shaft 29 '.
~hile the checkout procedures are being performed on
mechani.sm 31. The present invention provides an improved
means for disconnecting mechanism 31 and loc~ing shaft 29.
.Specifically, with reference to FIGURE 4, when
handle 38 is p.ivoted from the position illustrated in the
solid lines in FIGURE 4 to the position illustrated by
the dotted lines, there is a corresronding rotation of
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~089898 ~
sha~. 218 (see FIGURES 10 and 13). Rotation of shaft
218 cause cam 224 to rotate causing protrusion 226 to
enga~e roller 228 causin~ arm 230 to rotate in a clock-
wise directi~n as viewed in FIGURE 10. This causes
sha t 232 to rotate which in turn causes arm 234 to pivot
in a clockwise direction driving rod 240 in a downward
direction. The down~ard movement of rod 240 causes the
motor brake to release as previously described and also
causes switch cams 282 to engage follower arms 288 on
s~itches 56 and 58.
Rotation of shaft 218 also causes cam arms 246
to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 10
until pin 248 engages the top of slot 250 causing lever
arms 252 to pivot upwardly as illustrated in FIGURE 16.
When lever arms 252 pivot upwardly, slide 258 is concurrently
~oved upward causing it to engage the upper surface of
groove 260 is splined coupling 74, causing splined coupling
7~ to move upwardly on shaft extension 43 until slot 78
disengages coupling bar 80 on shaft 82 so that shaft 82
is no longer coupled to shaft extension 43. Concurrently
with the upward movement of splined coupling 74, rollers 266
on lock plate 272 roll along the upper surface of lever
arms 252 causing lock plate 262 to move slightly upwardly.
However, since splined coupling 74 moves upwardly further
and at a different rate of travel than lock plate 262, pins
270 on splined coupling 74 engage the small circular openings
268 in lock plate 262 locking coupling 74 to lock plate 262
zs illustrated in FIGURE 16. In this position, splined
coupling 74 is prevented from rotating so that shaft
e~:tension 43 and connected drive shaft 29 are also loc~ed
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1089898
in position. ~.ow~ver, .since slot 78 in couplin~ 74 ro
longer engages coupling bar 80, shaft 82 can be rotated
either by motor 50 or by:manual operation as previously
described without causing a concurrent rotation of output
shaft 29.
In the event pins 270 are not aligned to enter
small circular openings 268, lock plate 262 will ride on top
of pins 270 until a slight rotation of splined coupling 74
occurs, after which lock plate 262 will drop into the locked
position. To minimize the free rotation which may occur, it
is advantageous to provide small angular spacing between
openings 268, the number- of openings being an integral
multiple of the number of pins 270.
As previously described, when cam 244 is rotated, -
rod 240 is moved downwardly thereby releasing the motor brake
and blocking the operation of switches 56 and 58. ~owever,
as roller 228 rides over the end of protrusion 226, roller
228 rotates back to the position illustrated in FIGURE 12
thereby releasing the switches 56 and 58 so that the mo.or
can be operated. It is important that motor 50 not be
operated whi~e handle 30 is being pivoted to avoid damage
to the mechanism. However, once coupling 74 nas disengaged
coupling bar 80, it is desirable to permit operation of the
motor 50 so that the automatic control circuitry can be
checked to ascertain whether it is opeating properly.
To return the mechanism 31 back to its original
position, handle 38 is pivoted back to the positon illu-
strated by the solid lines in FIGURE 4 which causes a
reverse of the operation previously described. Shaft 218 is
rotated in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG~RE
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10 causing cam arms 246 to pivot in a counterclockwise
direction as viewed in FIGURE 10, 15 and 17 which allows
spline coupling 74 to move downwardly until pins 270 no
longer engage openings 268 in lock plate 252, and mechanism
31 is ready for either automatic or manual operation.
It should be expressly understood ~hàt various
alterations, changes, and modifications may be made to the
embodiment as herein described without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the
appended c lâims .
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