Support for electric switch

Abstract

A support for a high voltage electric switch comprises a housing, a shaft and an intermediate member positioned between the housing and the shaft. The shaft at least partially extends through the housing and is supported to rotate about an axis. The intermediate member is supported to rotate relative to the shaft and is supported to rotate relative to the housing.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 857,064, filed on June 4, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 881,675, filed on August 1, 2019. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] background

[0004] The present application relates to a high voltage electric switch, and in particular to a support shaft for a high voltage electric switch. Summary of the invention

[0005] In an independent aspect, a support for a high voltage electrical switch comprises a housing, a shaft, and an intermediate member positioned between the housing and the shaft. The shaft at least partially extends through the housing and is supported to rotate about an axis. The intermediate member is supported to rotate relative to the shaft and is supported to rotate relative to the housing.

[0006] In some aspects, the intermediate member is supported for rotation relative to the shaft by at least one first bearing, and the intermediate member is supported for rotation relative to the housing by at least one second bearing.

[0007] In some aspects, the first bearing includes a first inner race engaging the shaft and a first outer race engaging the intermediate member, and the second bearing includes a second inner race engaging the intermediate member and a second outer race engaging the housing.

[0008] In some aspects, the support further includes a retainer positioned near an end of the intermediate member.

[0009] In some aspects, the retainer retains the second bearing.

[0010] In some aspects, the intermediate member is operable to rotate about the axis while the shaft and the housing remain stationary.

[0011] In another independent aspect, a support for a high voltage electrical switch includes a housing, a shaft, and a sleeve positioned between the housing and the shaft. The shaft extends at least partially through the housing, and the shaft is supported to rotate about an axis. One end of the shaft is configured to be coupled to a switch member that can move between an open position and a closed position. The sleeve is rotatable relative to the shaft and rotatable relative to the housing.

[0012] In some aspects, the support further includes a first bearing positioned between the shaft and the sleeve, the first bearing supporting the shaft for rotation relative to the sleeve.

[0013] In some aspects, the first bearing includes an inner race engaging the shaft and an outer race engaging the sleeve.

[0014] In some aspects, the support further includes a second bearing positioned between the housing and the sleeve, and the second bearing supports the sleeve for rotation relative to the housing.

[0015] In some aspects, the second bearing includes an inner race engaging the sleeve and an outer race engaging the housing.

[0016] In some aspects, the support further includes a retainer positioned near an end of the sleeve.

[0017] In some aspects, a portion of the retainer is configured to be engaged by a tool to facilitate manual rotation of the sleeve while the shaft and the housing remain stationary.

[0018] In some aspects, the retainer abuts a bearing that supports the sleeve for rotation relative to the housing.

[0019] In yet another independent aspect, a high voltage electric switch comprises: a first electric terminal configured to be supported on a frame; a second electric terminal configured to be supported on the frame; a conductive member for providing electrical communication between the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal; and a shaft assembly supporting one of the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal for pivoting movement to move the conductive member between a first position and a second position. When the conductive member is in the first position, the conductive member provides electrical communication between the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal, and when the conductive member is in the second position, the electrical communication between the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal is suppressed. The shaft assembly comprises a housing, a shaft extending at least partially through the housing, and an intermediate member positioned between the housing and the shaft. The shaft is supported to rotate around the shaft. The intermediate member is supported to rotate relative to the shaft and is supported to rotate relative to the housing.

[0020] In some aspects, the intermediate member is supported for rotation relative to the shaft by at least one first bearing, and the intermediate member is supported for rotation relative to the housing by at least one second bearing.

[0021] In some aspects, the first bearing includes a first inner race engaging the shaft and a first outer race engaging the intermediate member, and the second bearing includes a second inner race engaging the intermediate member and a second outer race engaging the housing.

[0022] In some aspects, the shaft assembly further includes a retainer positioned proximate an end of the intermediate member.

[0023] In some aspects, a portion of the retainer is configured to be engaged by a tool to facilitate manual rotation of the intermediate member while the shaft and the housing remain stationary.

[0024] In some aspects, the retainer abuts a bearing that supports the intermediate member for rotation relative to the housing.

[0025] Other aspects of the shaft assembly will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a high voltage electrical switch in a closed position.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a high voltage electrical switch in the open position.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly.

[0029] Figure 4 Observed along section 4-4 Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly.

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the shaft assembly.

[0031] Before describing any embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in application to the component configurations and construction details given in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be implemented or executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. "Including" and "comprising" and their variations used herein are meant to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. "Consisting of..." and its variations used herein are meant to cover only the items listed thereafter and their equivalents. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "supporting" and "connecting" and their variations are widely used and cover direct and indirect mounting, connection, support and connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Some high voltage electrical switches (e.g., operating at 1000V or higher) are actuated by rotating one or more supports on which the device is mounted. In addition to being easy to rotate, the switch supports must also support the weight of the parts and support the cantilever load of the parts without affecting the satisfactory working ability of the switch. The supports must also be able to withstand the effects of weather without rusting or other corrosion. In some cases, rust / corrosion can completely lock the bearings, so the operator must force the switch to disconnect with an external tool, which can be dangerous at high voltages. In addition, most high voltage switches are rarely operated (e.g., actuated to the disconnected state), many switches may be operated once every two years, and some switches are operated less frequently. Even when operated, the switch can only be partially rotated (e.g., rotated about 90 degrees).

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary high voltage electrical switch 6 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical switch 6 is supported on a frame member 8, which may be connected to a utility structure (not shown). The switch 6 is supported by a shaft assembly 10 connected to the frame member 8. A first insulator 12 and a blade support 16 are supported by the shaft assembly 10 for pivotal movement relative to the frame member 8. The first insulator 12 is positioned between the shaft assembly 10 and the blade support 16. The blade support 16 is coupled to a conductive arm or blade 20, which can be selectively positioned to engage a terminal contact 24 to close the switch ( Figure 1 ). The contact 24 may be positioned on top of the second insulator 28. Figure 2 As shown, the shaft assembly 10 supports the blade support 16 and the blade 20 for pivoting about the axis 34, thereby permitting the blade 20 to move away from the terminal contacts 24 and open the switch.

[0034] Figure 3 and Figure 4 1 shows a shaft assembly 10 of a high voltage electrical switch. The shaft assembly 10 includes a support block 42, a first member or spindle 46, and a second member or sleeve 50. The support block 42 includes a first member or spindle 46 fixed to the frame member 8 ( Figure 1 ) of the flange 54 and also including a bore 58 ( Figure 4 ). The main shaft 46 passes through the bore 58 along the axis 34. One end of the main shaft 46 is fixed to the base 62, and the insulator 12 ( Figure 1 ) can be supported on the base.

[0035] like Figure 4 and 5As shown, the sleeve 50 is positioned within the bore 58 of the support block 42, between the spindle 46 and the support block 42. In other words, the spindle 46 passes through the opening 60 of the sleeve 50. The support block 42, the sleeve 50, and the spindle 46 are each rotatable relative to each other. Specifically, a pair of first bearings 70 supports the spindle 46 for rotation relative to the sleeve 50, and a pair of second bearings 74 supports the sleeve 50 for rotation relative to the support block 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearings 70, 74 are roller ball bearings.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first bearings 70 may include a first inner race 70a engaged with the outer surface of the main shaft 46, a first outer race 70b engaged with the inner surface of the sleeve 50, and a plurality of roller elements 72 (e.g., balls) positioned between the first inner race 70a and the first outer race 70b. In some embodiments, each of the first bearings 70 may include a cage or internal member (not shown) to maintain the positions of the balls 72 relative to each other. Each of the second bearings 74 may have a similar configuration, specifically, each of the second bearings 74 may include a second inner race 74a engaged with the outer surface of the sleeve 50, a second outer race 74b engaged with the inner surface of the support block 42, and a plurality of roller elements 76 (e.g., balls) positioned between the second inner race 74a and the second outer race 74b. In some embodiments, each of the second bearings 74 may include a cage or internal member (not shown) to maintain the positions of the balls 76 relative to each other.

[0037] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a nut 82 can threadably engage one end of the spindle 46 opposite the base 62, thereby retaining the first bearing 70 engaged between the sleeve 50 and the spindle 46. Additionally, a retainer 86 is positioned near one end of the sleeve 50, and a similar retainer 86 is positioned near the opposite end of the sleeve 50.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the retainers 86 can be engaged by a tool (not shown) to facilitate rotation of the sleeve 50 while the main shaft 46 and the support block 42 remain stationary. In the embodiment shown, the flange 88 of the retainer 86 can be engaged by the tool. In some embodiments, an adapter plate can be coupled to one or both of the retainers 86 to permit a technician to rotate the sleeve 50 by using an insulated operating rod or similar device. In addition, in some embodiments, the assembly can connect the sleeves 50 of multiple shaft assemblies 10 to actuate the sleeves 50 simultaneously.

[0039] Rotation of the sleeve 50 cycles or moves the bearings 70, 74 without requiring the switch 6 to change position. This rotation facilitates maintenance of the bearings 70, 74 and the entire assembly. In addition, this actuation allows a technician to detect if either of the bearings 70, 74 is stuck without requiring physical disconnection of the switch (and avoiding the need to wait for an opportunity when the switch can be disconnected) to determine that the bearing has failed.

[0040] Although the various aspects have been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects described. Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A support member for a high voltage switch, the support member include: case; a shaft extending at least partially through the housing, the shaft being supported for rotation about an axis; and an intermediate member positioned between the housing and the shaft, the intermediate member being supported for rotation relative to the shaft by at least one first bearing and being supported for rotation relative to the housing by at least one second bearing, wherein the first bearing comprises a first inner ring engaging the shaft and a first outer ring engaging the intermediate member, wherein the second bearing comprises a second inner ring engaging the intermediate member and a second outer ring engaging the housing, and Wherein, when the shaft and the housing remain stationary, the intermediate member is operable to rotate about the axis.

2. The support member of claim 1, further comprising a retainer positioned near an end of the intermediate member.

3. The support member according to claim 2, in, The retainer retains the second bearing.

4. A support member for a high voltage switch, the support member include: case; a shaft extending at least partially through the housing, the shaft supported for rotation about an axis, one end of the shaft configured to be coupled to a switch member movable between an open position and a closed position; and a sleeve positioned between the housing and the shaft, the sleeve being rotatable relative to the shaft and relative to the housing, Wherein, the sleeve is operable to rotate about the axis while the shaft and the housing remain stationary.

5. The support of claim 4, further comprising a first bearing positioned between the shaft and the sleeve, the first bearing supporting the shaft for rotation relative to the sleeve.

6. The support member according to claim 5, in, The first bearing includes an inner race engaging the shaft and an outer race engaging the sleeve.

7. The support of claim 4, further comprising a second bearing positioned between the housing and the sleeve, the second bearing supporting the sleeve for rotation relative to the housing.

8. The support member according to claim 7, in, The second bearing includes an inner race engaging the sleeve and an outer race engaging the housing.

9. The support member of claim 4, further comprising a retainer positioned near an end of the sleeve.

10. The support member according to claim 9, in, A portion of the retainer is configured to be engaged by a tool to facilitate manual rotation of the sleeve while the shaft and the housing remain stationary.

11. The support member according to claim 9, in, The retainer abuts a bearing that supports the sleeve for rotation relative to the housing.

12. A high voltage switch, include: a first electrical terminal configured to be supported on the frame; a second electrical terminal configured to be supported on the frame; a conductive member for providing electrical communication between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal; and a shaft assembly supporting one of the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal for pivotal movement to move the conductive member between a first position and a second position, wherein when the conductive member is in the first position, the conductive member provides electrical communication between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal, and when the conductive member is in the second position, electrical communication between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal is inhibited, the shaft assembly comprising, case, a shaft extending at least partially through the housing, the shaft being supported for rotation about an axis; and an intermediate member positioned between the housing and the shaft, the intermediate member being supported for rotation relative to the shaft by at least one first bearing and being supported for rotation relative to the housing by at least one second bearing, wherein the first bearing comprises a first inner ring engaging the shaft and a first outer ring engaging the intermediate member, wherein the second bearing comprises a second inner ring engaging the intermediate member and a second outer ring engaging the housing, and Wherein, when the shaft and the housing remain stationary, the intermediate member is operable to rotate about the axis.

13. The electrical switch of claim 12, further comprising a retainer positioned adjacent an end of the intermediate member.

14. The electric switch according to claim 13, in, A portion of the retainer is configured to be engaged by a tool to facilitate manual rotation of the intermediate member while the shaft and the housing remain stationary.

15. The electric switch according to claim 13, in, The retainer abuts against a bearing that supports the intermediate member to rotate relative to the housing.

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