Electrical power transfer switch

Abstract

A modular transfer switch (22) and actuator (20) wherein multiple transfer switches are connectable in linear arrangement with the actuator such that the actuator controls the position of all of the transfer switches. Each of the transfer switches (22) includes a contact assembly (48) that converts over-rotation of the drive linkage (26) in the transfer switch to added pressure between the load contacts and the power contacts in the contact assembly. The actuator has an embodiment wherein a joint (400) that connects counter-rotating arms (396,398) is linked to the armature of a linear motor (507) and spring tension from springs (423, 424) is additive to the closing force applied to the transfer switches (22).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The presently disclosed invention relates to electrical switches and, more particularly, electrical power transfer switches.

Discussion of the Prior Art

Electrical power transfer switches have been used to transfer an electrical load from one power source to another power source. Frequently, such switches are used in emergency panels that transfer incoming line power to an emergency generator or other source at times when the standard power source has been interrupted or failed due to inclement weather or other emergency conditions such as flooding.

In the prior art, transfer switches have been developed to reliably and automatically switch industrial and commercial loads such as factories, shopping malls and hospitals to an alternate power source in the event of an electrical power failure. Many examples are known in the prior art.

Such transfer switches have worked well, but their cost and size did not lend their application to light commercial or residential use. Accordingly, there was a need in the prior art for electrical power transfer switches that would meet all UL and other applicable standards for reliability and safety, but that were less costly and more adaptable for use in lighter duty applications such as in small businesses and homes.

Some power transfer switches that have been used in the past have been relatively difficult to assemble. Further, their design is not readily adaptable to modification or multiple application. Examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,538,223 and 8,735,754. U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,223 describes a transfer switch wherein contacts to a load can be toggled between oppositely opposed supply contacts that are connected to respective power supplies to switch from one power supply to another. The load contacts are located on opposite faces of an arm that is moveable between the two power contacts to electrically connect the load contacts with one of the power contacts. The arm is connected to a cross bar that is reversibly rotatable through an arc in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to move the arm into one position where the load contacts engage the contacts of the first power source and a second position in which the load contacts engage the contacts of the second power source. The cross bar includes two extending members that are connected to respective plungers of two solenoids such that the angular position of the cross bar is controlled by extension and retraction of the solenoid plungers.

Transfer switches are subject to a well-known phenomenon known as “blow open” wherein opposing electrical fields of the load contacts and the supply contacts tend to be forced apart as the contacts are brought into proximity. To overcome this difficulty, the cross bar in U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,223 is caused to over-rotate the end points of the arc that is necessary to bring the load contacts and the power contacts together and the load contacts are spring loaded to mechanically absorb the interference between the load contacts and the supply contacts. In the structure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,223, a spring biases the arm against a stop. That design causes the arm to develop separate fulcrum points (and therefore different closing force) between the load contacts and the supply contacts depending on the angular direction of the cross bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,735,754 shows an alternative mechanism for the spring bias of the load contacts against the supply contacts. In that patent, the spring bias force for the load contacts is directed along the plane of the arm so that the arm rocks across the center axis of the spring by the degree of over-rotation.

It has been found that prior art designs such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,538,223 and 8,735,754 were limited to specific applications according to their particular design. Also, it has been found that the assembly of transfer switches according to those designs was somewhat difficult and costly. For example, in the designs of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,538,223 and 8,735,754 the springs that spring bias the load contacts against the supply contacts have a relatively high spring force so that compressing the springs to form a finished assembly was difficult and required special tools or jigs.

Accordingly, there was a need in the prior art for a transfer switch that could be assembled easily and without special tools and that also was adaptable to various applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the presently disclosed invention, an actuator for controlling the mechanical position of an electrical device includes a frame that defines a pivot pin therein. A pivot arm having a longitudinal axis and a slot with a major axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis is connected to a rotatable member that serves as a driver. The rotatable member is connectable directly to an electrical device such as a transfer switch in which the device has different states of operation depending on mechanical states of the device. The rotatable member of the actuator defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotal about said longitudinal axis with respect to said frame in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. The rotatable member also has a radial extension that is pivotally connected to the pivot arm. The pivot pin of the frame extends through the slot of the pivot arm such that a change in the angular position of the pivot arm with respect to said frame in one angular direction causes the rotatable member to pivot in the opposite angular direction. An extension spring has one end that is connected to the rotatable member and an opposite end that is connected to the pivot arm such that the extension spring biases the pivot arm toward the end positions of the travel arc of the pivot arm.

Preferably, the spring force of the extension spring is greater at times when said pivot arm is angularly positioned between the end positions of the travel arc in comparison to the spring force at times when said pivot arm is located at the end positions.

Also preferably, the actuator includes a linear motor such as composed of two opposing solenoids that are secured in fixed relationship to the frame. The linear motor has an armature that moves linearly between a first and second end positions and is connected to a shuttle bracket to move the shuttle bracket between first and second positions with respect to the frame in response to the movement of the armature. The shuttle bracket is connected to the pivot arm such that the linear motor is used to power movement of the rotatable member through movement of the shuttle bracket and the pivot arm.

Alternatively, the actuator may include a linear motor that has two electrical coils with a shared armature. A driver that is rotatably mounted in the frame includes a radial arm and a joint connects the radial arm to a pivot arm. The joint is linked to the armature such that movement of the armature is transferred to the joint causing the radial arm and pivot arm to angularly rotate in counter-rotational relationship. Angular movement of the radial arm is transferred to the electrical device such as a transfer switch. The first part of angular movement of the pivot arm stores additional mechanical energy in tension springs. Energy in the springs is then transferred to the radial arm during the second part of the angular movement of the pivot arm when the transfer switch is being closed.

Also, when the electrical device is a transfer switch, it includes a spool that is pivotal with respect to a frame of the switch in both clockwise and counter-clockwise angular directions. The spool is connectable to the rotatable member of the actuator such that it can be driven by the actuator. The spool also is connectable to adjacent transfer switches of the same design such that a linear array of switches can be assembled in modular fashion with all of said switches operating synchronously and controlled by the same actuator. The transfer switch further includes a load contact that is connected to a contact arm that extends radially from the spool such that the load contact is movable between end points of an arc in response to corresponding angular movement of the spool. The load contact is moveable between first and second source or power contacts that are located at a given radius and angular position with respect to the spool so as to engage the load contact when the spool is an a given angular position.

In some cases, the transfer switch also includes a contact assembly wherein compression springs are located on opposite sides of the contact arm and transversely from a respective power contact. Alternative ones of the compression springs are compressed when the spool is at corresponding end positions of its arc of angular movement.

In another preferable embodiment of the disclosed invention, the contact arm is biased by a contact assembly that includes at least two flat magnets that are connected to the contact arm and at least two U-shaped magnets. The flat magnets cooperate with respective ones of the U-shaped magnets when the load contact is in contact with one of the power contacts to produce an attractive force between the flat magnet and the U-shaped magnet in response to electrical current flow in the contact arm. Preferably, the contact arm defines first and second branches with each branch having a flat magnet attached thereto. Also preferably, the contact arm is connected to the spool by a rocking mounting that includes a holder and compression springs that oppose transverse sides of the contact arm. In addition, the rocking mounting can define a gap between the rocking mounting and the contact arm while also defining a land that is located between the rocking mounting and the contact arm and that is adjacent to the gap. In such embodiment, the gap closes when the spool is at an angular position that extends outside the angular position of the spool that corresponds to contact between the load contact and the power contact.

Other objects, advantages and improvements of the presently disclosed invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the following presently preferred embodiments thereof proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A presently preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention is shown and described in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disclosed actuator in combination with two disclosed transfer switches;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the actuator and transfer switches that are shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the actuator and transfer switches that are shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the actuator and transfer switches that are shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the actuator that is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the actuator that is shown in FIG. 1 with a manual activation handle added thereto;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the actuator and transfer switches that are shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the actuator and transfer switches that are shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the transfer switches that are shown in FIG. 1, but the transfer switch of FIG. 9 has an alternative lug assembly;

FIG. 11 is a reverse perspective view of the transfer switch that is shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a transfer switch similar to that shown in FIG. 10 but with a double pole arrangement and with a portion of the cover removed to better disclose the features therein;

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective of the transfer switch that is shown in FIG. 12 with the transfer switch oriented on its side;

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded perspective view of the transfer switch that is shown in FIG. 9 with the transfer switch oriented on its side;

FIG. 15 is a relational diagram showing the lug assemblies of the transfer switch that is shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the two pole contact assembly that is included in the transfer switch of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the contact assembly that is included in the relational diagram of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the single pole contact assembly that is included in the transfer switch of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the contact arm that is included in the contact assembly that is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the actuator that is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a reverse perspective view of the actuator that is shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the actuator that is shown in FIG. 20 with a portion of the casing removed to better disclose the features therein;

FIG. 23 is a partially exploded perspective view of the actuator shown in FIG. 22 with the actuator oriented on a side;

FIG. 24 is a cross-section of the actuator shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of internal portions of the actuator that is shown in FIGS. 22 and 24;

FIG. 26 is a partially exploded perspective view of the latch assembly that is included in the actuator of FIGS. 22, 24 and 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross-section of the latch assembly that is shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a reverse perspective view of portions of the latch assembly that is shown in FIG. 26;

FIGS. 29 and 30 are assembly drawings of the linear motor that is shown in FIGS. 22, 23, 24 and 25;

FIG. 31 is a perspective of the handle that is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 32 is a relational drawing showing a magnetic alternative embodiment to the contact assembly that is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18;

FIG. 33 is a cross-section of the magnetic contact assembly that is shown in FIG. 32;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective views of the magnetic contact assembly that is shown in FIGS. 32 and 33;

FIG. 36 is a partial drawing of the magnet assembly that is shown in FIGS. 32 and 33;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed actuator with a portion of the casing removed to better disclose the features therein;

FIG. 38 is a partially exploded perspective view of the actuator shown in FIG. 37 with the actuator oriented on a side;

FIG. 39 is a cross-section of the actuator shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39a is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 39;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of internal portions of the actuator that is shown in FIGS. 37 and 38;

FIG. 41 is a partially exploded perspective view of the latch assembly that is included in the actuator of FIGS. 37, 39 and 40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-section of the latch assembly that is shown in FIG. 41; and

FIG. 43 is an elevation view of portions of the latch assembly that is shown in FIG. 41.

DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-8 show a presently preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention that includes an actuator 20 and at least one transfer switch 22. Preferably, the disclosed invention includes more than one transfer switch 22 that are connected together in side-by-side relationship to form a linear array.

The actuator 20 controls the angular position of a driver 24 that is connected to the transfer switch 22 that is adjacent to the actuator 20. Each of the transfer switches 22 include respective drive linkage 26 that are connected together longitudinally along a common axis of rotation A-A′ such that the position of all of the transfer switches 22 is controlled by the position of the driver 24 in the actuator 20.

The drive linkage 26 in each of the transfer switches 22 is of a common design such that it can be connected together longitudinally in any order within the linear array. Preferably, drive linkage 26 has a first end such as a male end 28 and a second end such as a female end 30 that is engageable with the male end 28. Also preferably, one of the first or second ends 28, 30 engages with the end of driver 24 so that any transfer switch 22 is connectable to driver 24.

Transfer switches 22 control the connection of electrical power between a load and one or more alternative power sources. As hereafter more fully explained, when actuator 20 is commanded to cause driver 24 to pivot in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, driver 24 causes drive linkage 26 to also pivot and transfer electrical contacts associated with the load from one power source to another power source.

FIGS. 12-15 show the electrical connections through transfer switch 22 in greater detail. Transfer switch 22 includes a load terminal such as lug assembly 32 and two power terminals such as lug assemblies 34 and 36. Alternative terminals such as quick connect terminals 38, 40 and 42 that are specifically shown in FIG. 14 also can be used. The load terminal such as lug assembly 32 is electrically connected to load contacts that are included in a contact assembly 48. Contact assembly 48 can include single pole load contacts 50, 52 such as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, or multi-pole load contacts 54, 56 and 58, 60 such as shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 16.

Alternative power terminals such as lug assemblies 34, 36 are connected to respective electric power supplies (not shown). Lug assembly 34 also is connected to at least a first power contact. Lug assembly 36 also is connected to at least a second power contact. The multi-pole contact assembly 48 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 includes first source or power contacts 62, 64 and second source or power contacts 66, 68. The single pole contact assembly shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 includes first source or power contact 70 and second source or power contact 72.

As more specifically described in connection with FIGS. 16-19, the contact assembly includes one or more contact arms 74 that are connected to the drive linkage 26 of the transfer switch 22. The contact arms 74 support the load contacts and pivot in accordance with the movement of the drive linkage 26 so that angular movement of the drive linkage corresponds to angular movement of contact arms 74. The load terminal can be connected to either of the power terminals by swinging the contact arms 74 through an arc so as to bring the load contacts into physical contact with the power contacts associated with the respective power terminal. The end points of the arc are defined by the angular position of the power contacts with respect to the contact arms and the axis of rotation of A-A′ of drive linkage 26.

The contact assembly 48 suspends contact arms 74 so as to overcome the “blow open” phenomenon observed in closing electrical contacts that was discussed previously herein. The structure of contact assembly 48 allows the drive linkage 26 to pivot past the end points of the arc at which the geometry of the contact assembly 48 causes load contacts 54, 56 and 58, 60 or 50, 52 to contact power contacts 62, 64 and 66, 68 or 70, 72 at times when the transfer switch is in a de-energized state and there are no “blow open” conditions. The excess rotation or pivoting of the drive linkage 26 beyond the angular position at which, in a de-energized state, the load contacts would first contact the opposing power contacts at the end of the arc causes a mechanical interference between the load contacts and the power contacts. Contact assembly 48 converts such mechanical interference to increased closing force between the load contacts and the power contacts so as to avoid blow open conditions.

Referring to FIGS. 16-19, the contact assembly 48 may include a frame 76 that is mounted on or incorporates drive linkage 26 of transfer switch 22 such that frame 76 is pivotal according to the angular movement of the drive linkage. Contact arm 74 may be maintained in frame 76 by opposing springs 78, 79. Each of springs 78, 79 extend between a wall of frame 76 and contact arm 74. One spring 78 extends between a first wall 80 of frame 76 and contact arm 74. The opposing spring 79 extends between a second wall 82 of frame 76 that is transverse to first wall 80 and contact arm 74. Thus, springs 78, 79 bear on opposite, transverse sides of contact arm 74 and maintain contact arm 74 in compression between transverse walls 80, 82 of frame 76. Load contacts 50, 52 of single pole contact assembly 48 (FIGS. 17 and 18) or load contacts 54, 56 and 58, 60 of multi-pole contact assembly 48 (FIGS. 12, 13 and 16) are located on opposite sides of the distil end 79a of contact arms 74. Preferably, walls 80, 82 and contact arms 74 are provided with respective retention features such as mounds 84, 86 over which the ends of springs 78, 79 are centered to maintain the location of the ends of springs 78, 79 on walls 80, 82 and contacts arm 74.

The opposing springs 78, 79 tend to maintain contact arm 74 in a position wherein the contact arm is generally normal to the center axis of springs 78, 79 at times when the load contacts are separated from the power contacts. The proximate end 87 of contact arm 74 that is opposite the distal end 79a of contact arm 74 where the load contacts are secured is a free end that is unsecured to contact assembly 48. When the load contacts on contact arm 74 engage the power contacts on the frame of transfer switch 22, contact arm 74 tends to pivot in an angular direction with respect to frame 76 that is opposite to the angular direction in which drive linkage 26 and frame 76 pivot with respect to the frame of transfer switch 22.

The angular pivoting of contact arm 74 with respect to frame 76 converts the over-rotation of drive linkage 26 and contact assembly 48 into increased force against the load contacts against the power contacts. For example, as the contact assembly 48 shown in FIG. 15 is pivoted in a clockwise direction past the angular position where single pole contact 50 engages first power contact 70, contact arm 74 will pivot in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to frame 76 of contact assembly 48. The counter-clockwise pivot of contact arm 74 causes compression of spring 79 and extension of spring 78 that results in an increased force of contact 50 against power contact 70 due to the unbalanced opposing forces of springs 78, 79. Conversely, if the contact assembly shown in FIG. 15 is pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction past the annular position where single pole contact 52 engages second power contact 72, contact arm 74 will pivot in a clockwise direction with respect to frame 76 of contact assembly 48. The clockwise pivot of contact arm 74 causes compression of spring 78 and extension of spring 79 that results in an increased force of contact 52 against power contact 72 due to the unbalanced opposing forces of springs 78, 79.

In the preferred embodiment, the angular position of transfer switch 22 can be manually controlled by a handle 106 that is connectable to an end of drive linkage 26 as shown in FIGS. 3-8 and 31.

FIGS. 20-24 show a presently preferred embodiment of actuator 20 that drives transfer switch 22. Actuator 20 includes a frame 88 that defines a pivot pin 90 that extends from and is fixed to frame 88. Actuator 20 further includes a pivot arm 92 that defines a longitudinal axis B-B′ and a slot 94. Slot 94 has a major axis C-C′ that is parallel to the longitudinal axis B-B′ of pivot arm 92.

Actuator 20 further includes a rotatable member such as driver 24 that is secured to frame 88 such that it is pivotal with respect to frame 88 about the longitudinal axis A-A′ that is defined by driver 24. As shown in FIG. 24, driver 24 is pivotal in both clockwise and counter-clockwise angular directions.

Driver 24 includes a radial extension 96 that is pivotally connected to pivot arm 92 by a pin 98. Slot 94 in pivot arm 92 is located at a longitudinal position on pivot arm 92 such that pivot pin 90 of frame 88 extends through slot 94. In this way, pivot arm 92 is pivotal with respect to frame 88 about pin 90. A change in the angular position of pivot arm 92 with respect to frame 88 acts against radial extension 96 of driver 24 to cause the driver to pivot about longitudinal axis A-A′. Changing the angular position of pivot arm 92 in one angular direction causes driver 24 to pivot with respect to frame 88 in the angular direction that is opposite to the angular direction of pivot arm 92. For example, if pivot arm 92 is caused to pivot about pivot pin 90 in a clockwise direction, driver 24 will pivot in a counter-clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 25. Conversely, if pivot arm 92 is caused to pivot about pivot pin 90 in a counter-clockwise direction, driver 24 will pivot in a clockwise direction.

Pivot pin 90 extends through slot 94 in pivot arm 92 so that driver 24 and radial extension 96 are freely pivotal within frame 88. Slot 94 is necessary because as driver 24 changes its angular position within frame 88, radial extension 96 and pivot arm 92 also move with respect to frame 88. Radial extension 96 and pivot arm 92 are pivotally connected by pin 98. However, pivot arm 92 also pivots on pivot pin 90 which is in fixed relationship to frame 88. Locating pivot pin 90 in slot 94 allows pivot pin 90 to travel within slot 94 while pivot arm 92 and radial extension 96 move simultaneously with respect to frame 88. Thus, as pivot arm 92 pivots with respect to frame 88, slot 94 accommodates changes in the dimension between pin 98 (which is moveable with respect to frame 88) and pivot pin 90 (which is fixed with respect to frame 88).

Actuator 20 further includes an extension spring 100 that has one end 102 that is connected to driver 24. With particular reference to FIGS. 24 and 26, it is shown that in the preferred embodiment end 102 of spring 100 is connected to radial extension 96 of driver 24. FIGS. 24 and 27 show that spring 100 has an opposite end 104 that is connected to pivot arm 92. Extension spring 100 affords increased spring force as ends 102 and 104 are drawn further apart from each other. In pivot arm 92 and driver 24 of FIGS. 20-25, ends 102, 104 are furthest apart at times when pin 98 connecting pivot arm 92 and radial extension 96 is directly above driver 24 which can be referred to as the top dead center angular position. At times when pin 98 is at an angular position on either side of the top dead center position of driver 24, the ends 102, 104 are closer together. Thus the spring force applied by spring 100 is greatest when pin 98 is at the top dead center position and is less when driver 24 is at either end point of the arc defined by the pivotal movement of driver 24. For this reason, energy must be applied to overcome the force of spring 100 when driver 24 moves from either end point of the arc defined by pivotal movement of driver 24 to the top dead center position. As driver 24 passes through the top dead center position and continues in the same angular direction, spring 100 returns energy back to the actuator 20. In this way, spring 100 biases driver 24 toward the end positions of the arc.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 20-28, actuator 20 further includes a linear motor 107 that is connected to a shuttle bracket 108. Shuttle bracket 108 defines a slot 110 and a pin 112 that is connected to pivot arm 92 extends through slot 110 to link pivot arm 92 and shuttle bracket 108. Linear motor 107 moves shuttle bracket 108 between end points that are defined by the limit of travel for linear motor 107. As linear motor 107 moves shuttle bracket 108 between end positions of the line of travel, shuttle bracket 108 causes pivot arm 92 to pivot through an angular motion that corresponds to the movement of shuttle bracket 108.

FIGS. 22-24 show that linear motor 107 includes solenoids 114, 116 that have coils 118, 120 and armatures 122, 124 respectively. When electrical energy is supplied to terminals 126 of coil 118, armature 122 is drawn into coil 118. Similarly, when electrical energy is supplied to terminals 128 of coil 120, armature 124 is drawn into coil 120. Shuttle bracket 108 is connected to armatures 122, 124 so that, by selectively supplying electrical energy to terminals 126 and 128, linear motor 107 can be made to draw shuttle bracket 108 alternatively to the end position of movement of armature 122 and the end position of movement of armature 124.

Linear motor 107 is secured to frame 88 of actuator 20 such that coils 118 and 120 are in fixed position with respect to frame 88 and armatures 122, 124 are moveable along a longitudinal axis that is defined by armatures 122, 124. The line of travel of armatures 122, 124 and shuttle bracket 108 is at a fixed elevation with respect to frame 88. However, pivot arm 92 is pivotally connected at pin 98 to radial extension 96 which rotates with driver 24. As driver 24 and radial extension 96 change angular position with respect to frame 88, pivot arm 92 changes elevation with respect to frame 88. Similar to the dynamic that was previously explained with respect to slot 94 and pivot pin 90, shuttle bracket 108 includes slot 110 to accommodate the change in elevation of pivot arm 92 with the change in angular position of driver 24. This allows driver 24 to pivot freely and in response to the movement of shuttle bracket 108 with respect to frame 88. More specifically, shuttle bracket 108 is provided with slot 110 having a major axis D-D′ that is aligned normal to the direction of movement of shuttle bracket 108. At times when driver 24 is pivoted and radial extension 96 causes pivot arm 92 to move vertically with respect to frame 88, pin 112 (that links shuttle bracket 108 and pivot arm 92) t ravels within slot 110 to allow pin 112 to also move vertically and accommodate changes in elevation of pivot arm 92 with respect to frame 88. That is, to allow free movement of pin 98 and driver 24, pin 98 extends through slot 110 and is vertically moveable in slot 110.

FIGS. 32-36 show an alternative embodiment of a contact assembly that may be substituted in transfer switch 22 in place of contact assembly 48. In FIGS. 32-36, a magnetic contact assembly 130 includes a wishbone-shaped contact arm 132 that includes two branches 134, 135. Each of branches 134, 135 supports a respective flat magnet 136, 137 and a respective load contact 138, 139. As particularly shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, contact arm 132 is connected to a spool or drive linkage 140. Similar to drive linkage 26, spool or drive linkage 140 includes a male end 141a and a female end 141b that engage adjacent transfer switches 22 of a linear array of transfer switches or that engage an adjacent actuator 20 such that spool or drive linkage 140, together with all other spool or drive linkages 140 that are connected through ends 141a and 141b are controlled by the driver 24 of the actuator.

As particularly shown in FIG. 33, contact arm 132 is connected to a spool or drive linkage 140 by a rocking mounting 142 that includes a holder 144 on one side 144a of contact arm 132 and a compression spring 146 on the side 144b of contact arm that is transverse to holder 144. One end 145 of compression spring 146 is placed against a holder 148 that is rigidly secured to spool or drive linkage 140. The opposite end 150 of compression spring 146 is placed against the transverse side 144b of contact arm 132 so that compression spring urges the base 152 of contact arm 132 against holder 144.

Gaps 154, 156 are provided between the base 152 of contact arm 132 and holder 144. Gaps 154, 156 are separated by a land portion 158 and spring 146 biases base 152 against land portion 158 so that contact arm 132 is stable against holder 144 at times when no external force is applied against load contacts 138, 139. However, at times when sufficient external force is applied against load contacts 138, 139 through torque applied spool or to drive linkage 140 and contact between load contacts 138, 139 and power supply contacts, the external force overcomes the bias force of compression spring 146 against contact arm 132 and causes base 152 of contact arm 132 to rock into one of gaps 154, 156. As viewed in FIG. 33, at times when-load contact 138 contacts first source or power contacts 62, 64, (see FIG. 13) magnetic contact assembly 130 rocks in a counter-clockwise direction. At times when load contact 139 contacts second power contacts 66, 68, magnetic contact assembly 130 rocks in a clockwise direction. In this way, rocking mounting 142 allows drive linkage 140 to over-rotate the end points of a pivot arc in which the end points are established by source or supply contacts 62, 64 and 66, 68 so that rocking mounting 142 provides additional force between load contacts 138, 139 and the respective supply contacts in response to the mechanical interference to avoid a blow open condition.

Magnetic contact assembly 130 further includes U-shaped magnets 160, 162 that cooperate with flat magnets 136, 137 respectively to provide additional force between load contacts 138, 139 and respective source or power contacts 62, 64 and 66, 68 through branches 134, 135. More specifically, flat magnets 136, 137 attached to respective branches 134, 135 and U-shaped magnets 160, 162 are not permanent magnets. Rather, they are metal elements that exhibit magnetic effects at times when they conduct electricity between the respective load contacts and source or power contacts. For example, as viewed in FIGS. 32 and 33, as drive linkage 140 rotates in a clockwise direction and load contact 138 comes into proximity with source or supply contacts 62, 64, flat magnet 136 approaches U-shaped magnet 160. At the same time electric current begins to flow through branch 134. Current flow through branch 134 causes magnetic flux in flat magnet 136 and induces magnetic flux in U-shaped magnet 160 so that magnetic force draws flat magnet 136 into U-shaped magnet 160. This magnetic force provides additional force that bears load contact 138 against source or supply contacts 62, 64 and further prevents blow open conditions to occur between load contacts 138 and source or supply contacts 62, 64.

Conversely, when drive linkage 140 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 32 and 33 and load contact 139 comes into proximity with supply contacts 66, 68, flat magnet 137 approaches U-shaped magnet 162. At the same time electric current begins to flow through branch 135. Current flow through branch 135 causes magnetic flux in flat magnet 137 and induces magnetic flux in U-shaped magnet 162 so that magnetic force draws flat magnet 137 into U-shaped magnet 162. This magnetic force provides additional force that bears load contact 139 against source or supply contacts 66, 68 and further prevents blow open conditions to occur between load contacts 139 and source or supply contacts 66, 68.

It has been found that U-shaped magnets 160, 162 must have a generally U-shaped cross-section that creates channels 166, 168 in magnets 160, 162 so that respective flat magnets 136, 137 respectively nest in such channels. It is believed that the reason for this structure is that the nesting relationship of flat magnets 136, 137 into U-shaped magnets 160, 162 is required to create sufficient magnetic flux to draw flat magnets 136, 137 and U-shaped magnets 160, 162 together with a preferred level of force to overcome blow open conditions.

FIGS. 37-43 disclose an alternative embodiment of an actuator 320 that drives transfer switch 22. Actuator 320 includes a frame 388 that includes first and second fulcrum pins 390 and 391 that are secured to one side of frame 388 and that project orthogonally from that side inwardly within frame 388.

Actuator 320 further includes a rotatable member such as driver 324 that is connectable to an electrical device such as transfer switch 22 (not shown in FIGS. 37-43). Driver 324 defines a longitudinal axis A-A′ and is secured in frame 388 such that it is angularly rotatable on longitudinal axis A-A′ with respect to frame 388. As particularly shown by arrow 387 in FIGS. 39 and 40, driver 324 is angularly rotatable on longitudinal axis A-A′ in both clockwise and counter-clockwise angular directions.

Driver 324 includes a radial extension such as radial arm 396 that extends outwardly from the longitudinal axis A-A′ and terminates at a distal end 398. As illustrated in FIG. 39, radial arm 396 moves in accordance with the angular movement of driver 324 with the distal end 398 of radial arm 396 moving between end points 326 and 327 along a pathway that defines an arc 328 between end points 326, 327. Arc 328 has a midpoint 330 that is located at the intersection of arc 328 with a orthogonal bisector 332 of a chord 334 between end points 326, 327.

Actuator 320 further includes a pivot arm 392 that has first and second longitudinal ends 397 and 399 and that is connected to radial arm 396. Pivot arm 392 is connected to radial arm 396 by a joint 400 such that pivot arm 392 is angularly moveable with respect to said radial arm 396 in both clockwise and counterclockwise angular directions. Preferably, joint 400 connects the distal end 398 of radial arm 396 with the first longitudinal end 397 of pivot arm 392 such that pivot arm 392 is angularly moveable with respect to radial arm 396. FIG. 39 illustrates that in the angular movement of pivot arm 392 with respect to radial arm 396, the second longitudinal end 399 of pivot arm 392 moves between end points 402 and 404 along a pathway that defines an arc 405 between end points 402, 404. Arc 405 has a midpoint 407 that is located at the intersection of arc 405 with an orthogonal bisector 408 of a chord 411 between end points 402 and 404.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 37-43, joint 400 includes the distal end 398 of radial arm 396 and the first longitudinal end 397 of pivot arm 392 that are linked together by a pin 413 that extends through holes in distal end 398 and first longitudinal end 397. As best shown in FIG. 41, distal end 398 includes tines 415 and 417 that are spaced apart to form a fork-shaped end and first longitudinal end 397 similarly includes tines 419 and 421 that are spaced apart to form a fork-shaped end. Each of tines 415, 417, 419, and 421 include respective holes 415a, 417a, 419a (not shown), and 421a. The spacing between tines 415 and 417 is complementary to the spacing between tines 419 and 421 is such that tines 415 and 417 are laterally positioned from tines 419 and 421 with tines 415 and 417 having the outermost lateral position within joint 400. Pin 413 occupies in holes 415a, 417a, 419a, and 421a so that the holes are commonly aligned along pin 413 and joint 400 allows angular movement of pivot arm 392 with respect to radial arm 396 about pin 413.

Actuator 320 further includes tension springs 423 and 424 that are aligned in parallel arrangement on opposite sides radial arm 396. As best shown in FIGS. 41-43, each of tension springs 423, 424 has one end, 425 and 426 respectively, connected to driver 324 and an opposite end, 427 and 428 respectively, connected to pivot arm 392. Tension springs 423, 424 develop increased spring force as ends 425, 426 are drawn further away from ends 427, 428 respectively.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 37-43, ends 425, 426 are furthest away from ends 427, 428 at times when pivot arm 392 is at the midpoint 407 of arc 405. At times when pivot arm 392 is at an angular position between midpoint 407 and either end point 402 or end point 404 the ends 425, 426 are closer to ends 427, 428 so that the spring force of tension springs 423, 424 is lower than when at midpoint 407. Thus the spring force applied by springs 423, 424 is greatest when pivot arm 392 is at midpoint 407 and is least when pivot arm 392 is at either end point 402 or 404 of arc 405. For this reason, energy must be applied to overcome the force of springs 423, 424 as pivot arm 392 moves from either end point 402 or 404 of arc 405 to the midpoint 407. As pivot arm 392 travels the pathway of arc 405 and passes through midpoint 407 moving in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, springs 423, 424 return energy back to actuator 320. In this way, springs 423, 424 bias pivot arm 392 toward the end points 402 and 404 of arc 405.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 37-43, actuator 320 further includes a linear motor 507 that is secured in fixed relationship to frame 388. Linear motor 507 includes solenoids 514, 516 that have coils 518, 520 and a shared armature 509. When electrical energy is supplied to terminals 526 of coil 518, armature 509 is drawn linearly along the longitudinal axis of armature 509 in the direction of coil 518. Similarly, when electrical energy is supplied to terminals 528 of coil 520, armature 509 is drawn linearly along the longitudinal axis of armature 509 in the direction of coil 520.

Armature 509 is connected to joint 400 so that, by selectively supplying electrical energy to terminals 526 and 528, linear motor 507 can be made to move joint 400 to a first limit of travel in the direction of coil 518 or to a second limit of travel in the opposite direction toward coil 520. As shown in FIGS. 37-43, armature 509 is located in the space between the tines 419, 421 of the forked, distal end 398 of radial arm 396. Armature 509 defines an opening 511 that is in registry with holes 415a, 417a, 419a, and 421a of tines 415, 417, 419, and 421 respectively such that pin 413 of joint 400 passes through opening 511. In this way, the linear movement of armature causes an edge of opening 511 to engage pin 413 of joint 400 and impart a lateral component of movement to joint 400 and the distal end 398 of radial arm 396. The movement of radial arm 396 causes driver 324 to rotate angularly in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction in accordance with the direction of movement of armature 509 and the distal end 398 of radial arm 396.

Distil end 398 of radial arm 396 moves angularly along arc 328 between end points 326 and 327 as previously described herein. This means that as armature 509 causes joint 400 to move laterally, distil end 398 of radial arm 396 also has a vertical component of motion that is perpendicular to the lateral component of motion imparted by armature 509. To accommodate the vertical component of motion of distil end 398 throughout the movement of radial arm 396 between end points 326 and 327 of arc 328, the dimension of opening 511 in the direction that is perpendicular to the lateral dimension is greater than the length of bisector 332 of arc 328.

Joint 400 also connects pivot arm 392 to radial arm 396. This means that pin 413 of joint 400 serves as the centerpoint of arc 405. Consequently, the movement of joint 400 along the pathway of arc 328 superimposes the vertical component of arc 328 on arc 405. To allow pivot arm 392 to angularly rotate freely, pivot arm 392 is located between first and second fulcrum pins 390, 391 so that first and second fulcrum pins straddle pivot arm 392. In this way, the vertical component in the movement of pivot arm 392 is accommodated by vertical movement of pivot arm 392 between first and second fulcrum pins 390, 391.

In the operation of actuator 320, liner motor 507 is electrically excited to cause armature 509 to move in the direction of a travel limit. Beginning with the position of actuator 320 as shown in FIGS. 37-43, armature 509 of lineal motor 507 is at a first travel limit 560, radial arm 396 is at end point 327 of arc 328 and pivot arm 392 is at end point 402 of arc 405. As armature 509 moves linearly away from first travel limit 560 in response to electrical energy applied to terminals 526, a side of opening 511 engages pin 413 in joint 400 and moves radial arm 396 angularly counter-clockwise (as shown in FIGS. 37-43) in the direction of end point 326 of arc 328. Before distil end 398 reaches midpoint 330 of arc 328, pivot arm 392 engages first fulcrum pin 390. As radial arm 396 continues to move angularly toward end point 326 of arc 328, pivot arm 392 is forced against fulcrum pin 390 causing pivot arm 392 to move away from the end point 402 and rotate angularly in the clockwise direction (as viewed in FIGS. 37-43). The angular rotation of pivot arm 392 causes tension springs 423, 424 to extend. This dynamic causes the transfer of electrical energy from the linear motor 507 to mechanical energy that is stored in springs 423 and 424.

As the counter-clockwise angular movement of radial arm 396 and the clockwise angular movement of pivotal arm 392 continues, springs 423 and 424 continue to extend until pivot arm 392 passes midpoint 407 of arc 405. When pivot arm 392 passes midpoint 407 of arc 405, the bias force that springs 423 and 424 apply to pivot arm 392 reverse sense. That reversal causes pivot arm 392 to pull away from first fulcrum pin 390. As the liner motor completes the travel of armature 509 to second travel limit 562, radial arm 396 completes its counter-clockwise angular motion to end point 326 of arc 328 and pivot arm 392 completes the clockwise angular motion to end point 404 of arc 405. At the same time, the mechanical energy that is stored in springs 423 and 424 is added to the energy applied by liner motor 507 for angular rotation of radial arm 396. The additional energy of springs 423, 424 thus increases the closing force of actuator 320 that is applied to the electrical switch.

To return the actuator to its initial state as shown in FIGS. 37-43, liner motor 507 is electrically excited at terminals 528 to cause armature 509 to move in the direction toward first travel limit 560. As armature 509 moves linearly (to the right as shown in FIGS. 37-43), the opposite side of opening 511 engages pin 413 of joint 400 and moves radial arm 396 angularly in a clockwise direction (as shown in FIGS. 37-43) toward end point 327 of arc 328. Before distil end 398 reaches midpoint 330 of arc 328, pivot arm 392 engages second fulcrum pin 391. As radial arm 396 continues to move angularly toward end point 327 of arc 328, pivot arm 392 is forced against fulcrum pin 391 causing pivot arm 392 to move away from end point 404 and rotate angularly in the counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIGS. 37-43). The angular rotation of pivot arm 392 causes tension springs 423, 424 to extend and transfers electrical energy from the linear motor 507 to mechanical energy that is stored in springs 423 and 424.

As the clockwise angular movement of radial arm 396 and the counter-clockwise angular movement of pivotal arm 392 continues, springs 423 and 424 continue to extend until pivot arm 392 passes midpoint 407 of arc 405. When pivotal arm 392 passes midpoint 407 of arc 405, the bias force that springs 423 and 424 apply to pivot arm 392 reverse sense causing pivot arm 392 to pull away from second fulcrum pin 391. As liner motor 507 completes the travel of armature 509 to first travel limit 560, radial arm 396 completes clockwise angular motion to end point 327 of arc 328 and pivot arm 392 completes counter-clockwise angular motion to end point 402 of arc 405. At the same time, the mechanical energy that is stored in springs 423 and 424 is added to the energy applied to radial arm 396 by liner motor 507. The additional energy increases the closing force of actuator 320 that is applied to the electrical switch.

While a presently preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention is shown and described herein, the disclosed invention is not limited thereto and can be variously otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An actuator for controlling the mechanical position of an electrical device, said actuator comprising: a frame that includes first and second fulcrum pins;a rotatable member that is connectable to said electrical device, said rotatable member defining a longitudinal axis and being angularly rotatable on said longitudinal axis with respect to said frame in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, said rotatable member having a radial arm that extends in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of said rotatable member and that terminates in a distal end, said radial arm moving in response to angular movement of said rotatable member such that the distal end of said radial arm moves between first and second endpoints in a pathway that defines a first arc;a pivot arm having one end that is connected to the radial arm of said rotatable member by a joint, said pivot arm being angularly moveable with respect to said radial arm such that a longitudinal end of said pivot arm moves through a pathway of a second arc that is defined between a first end point and a second end point, said pivot arm being moveable through said second arc in both clockwise and counterclockwise angular directions;a tension spring having one end that is connected to said rotatable member and having an opposite end that is connected to said pivot arm, said tension spring biasing said pivot arm in the angular direction toward the first end point of said second arc at times when the angular position of said pivot arm within said second arc is between the midpoint of said second arc and the first end point of said second arc, said tension spring biasing said pivot arm in the angular direction toward said second end point of said second arc at times when the angular position of said pivot arm within said second arc is between midpoint of said second arc and the second end point of said second arc; anda linear motor that is secured in fixed relationship to said frame, said linear motor having an armature that is moveable with respect to said frame in a linear direction between a first end position and a second end position, said armature defining an opening therein, said joint that connects the radial arm of said rotatable member to said pivot arm extending into the opening of said armature such that said armature engages said joint when said armature moves in one direction to move the radial arm of said rotatable member in a first angular direction and to draw said pivot arm against the first fulcrum pin of said frame and move the pivot arm in a second angular direction that is opposite from said first angular direction, said armature moving the joint in said one direction until the angular position of said pivot arm passes the midpoint of said second arc, said armature also engaging said joint when said armature moves in a second direction that is opposite to said first direction and move the radial arm of said rotatable member in said second angular direction and to draw said pivot arm against the second fulcrum pin of said frame and move the pivot arm in the first angular direction that is opposite from said second angular direction until the angular position of said pivot arm passes the midpoint of the second arc.

2. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said linear motor comprises first and second solenoids that share a common armature and that cooperate to move the armature between said first end position and said second end position.

3. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the joint between said pivot arm and said radial arm of said rotatable member extends through the opening of said armature and engages said armature at the edge of said opening in accordance with linear movement of said armature.

4. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the spring force of said tension spring is greater at times when said pivot arm is angularly positioned in said second arc midway between said first and second positions than the spring force of said tension spring at times when said pivot arm is angularly positioned at the first end position of said second arc and also at times when said pivot arm is angularly positioned at the second end position of said second arc.

5. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the opening of said armature defines an edge that has a longitudinal position on said armature such that the movement of said armature moves said joint to cause said pivot arm to move angularly past the midpoint of said second arc.

6. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the dimension of the opening of said armature in the direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the armature is greater than the length of the transsector of a chord between the first and second end point of said first arc.

7. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said pivot arm extends between the first and second fulcrum pins of said frame.

8. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said joint the distal end of said radial arm defines a forked end and said pivot arm defines a forked end that is joined to the forked end of said radial arm by a pin that extends through the forked end of the radial arm and the forked end of the pivot arm, said pin also extending through said opening of said armature to connect said joint to said armature.

9. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said first arc has a midpoint that is located at the intersection of said first arc and the bisector of a chord that connects the two endpoints of said first arc.

10. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said second arc has a midpoint that is located at the intersection of said second arc and the bisector of a chord that connects the two endpoints of said second arc.