Switch-operating mechanism with improved charging arrangement
US4683357A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18184
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A stored-energy switch operating mechanism is provided that includes a charging arrangement that reduces the peak forces required during the charging of the operating mechanism to store operating energy. The charging arrangement is responsive to a unidirectional input to accomplish the charging of the operating mechanism. In an illustrative arrangement, the operating mechanism includes a closing spring and an opening spring. During charging, the springs are sequentially charged prior to any switch-closing or switch-opening operation. The operating mechanism does not require the detachment of any components during either charging or switch operation. The charging arrangement, in an illustrative embodiment, is responsive to a unidirectional rotary input to a charging crank to sequentially drive a charging element in a first direction and then in a second, opposite direction. In the first direction, a first of the springs is charged and latched. In the second direction, the second spring is charged and latched. The operating mechansim is then ready for switch operation when required. For example, in a specific arrangement, the switch is open during charging. After charging and when it…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.