Tap selector tap change mechanism

Abstract

To provide a tap switching mechanism for a tap selector capable of suppressing an increase in the number of components even when dealing with a variable number of tap points.SOLUTION: A tap switching mechanism for a tap selector of an embodiment has a reference member, a first drive member, and a second drive member. The reference member is rotatable about a reference shaft. The first drive member drives a first movable contact in conjunction with the rotation of the reference member. The second drive member drives a second movable contact in conjunction with the rotation of the reference member. The first drive member and the second drive member alternately repeat a double angle drive and a stop drive. The double angle drive moves in the forward direction along the direction of rotation of the reference member, which is a drive for moving by a predetermined multiple of the rotation angle of the reference member. The stop drive moves in the reverse direction, which is the opposite of the forward direction, which is a drive for offsetting against the rotation of the reference member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a tap-changing mechanism for a tap selector. [Background technology]

[0002] An on-load tap changer is a device that changes taps while a transformer is in operation (on load). Generally, an on-load tap changer comprises a tap selector and a diverter switch. The tap selector selects a tap to operate in the transformer tap winding. The diverter switch switches the circuit to the selected tap. The tap selector has a movable contact that can move toward a fixed contact. When selecting a tap to operate, the movable contact is connected to the fixed contact. The tap selector has a Geneva gear that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva driver. The movable contact moves in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear, repeatedly contacting and separating from the fixed contact. The number of taps (number of contacts) of a tap selector varies depending on the voltage adjustment range, etc. To accommodate a varying number of taps, different types of Geneva drivers and corresponding Geneva gears are used. Even when accommodating a varying number of taps, it is necessary to suppress an increase in the number of parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4282148 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tap changing mechanism for a tap selector that can suppress an increase in the number of parts even when dealing with a fluctuating number of taps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The tap switching mechanism of the tap selector of the embodiment has a reference member, a first drive member, and a second drive member. The reference member rotates around a reference axis. The first drive member drives a first movable contact in conjunction with the rotation of the reference member. The second drive member drives a second movable contact in conjunction with the rotation of the reference member. The first drive member and the second drive member alternately repeat double-angle drive and stop drive. The double-angle drive is a drive that moves in a forward direction along the rotation direction of the reference member and moves a predetermined multiple of the rotation angle of the reference member. The stop drive is a drive that moves in a reverse direction opposite to the forward direction and offsets the rotation of the reference member. The reference member is a Geneva gear that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva driver. The tap switching mechanism further includes a drive slider and a slider guide. The drive slider is slidably supported relative to the Geneva gear. The slider guide engages with the drive slider and guides the movement of the drive slider in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear. The first drive member and the second drive member engage with the drive slider and alternately repeat the double-angle drive and the stop drive in conjunction with the movement of the drive slider. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an on-load tap changer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit of the tap selector of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tap selector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a Geneva gear drive unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a movable contact driving unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment, as viewed from below. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the Geneva gear according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the 12-contact Geneva gear of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the ten-contact Geneva gear of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the slider guide according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the 12-contact slider guide of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the slider guide for ten contacts of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the assembled state of the 12-contact slider guide of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the assembled state of the slider guide for ten contacts of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a groove locus of the 12-contact slider guide of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a groove locus of the slider guide for ten contacts according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the drive slider and each drive member in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the tap switching operation by the 12-contact slider guide of the first embodiment. [Figure 23] 23 is a perspective view of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 23 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 22. [Figure 25] 25 is a perspective view of FIG. 24. [Figure 26] 25 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 24. [Figure 27] 27 is a perspective view of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] 27 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 26. [Figure 29] 29 is a perspective view of FIG. 28. [Figure 30] 29 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 28. [Figure 31] 31 is a perspective view of FIG. 30. [Figure 32] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the tap switching operation by the 10-contact slider guide of the first embodiment. [Figure 33] 33 is a perspective view of FIG. 32. [Figure 34] 33 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 32. [Figure 35]34 is a perspective view of FIG. [Figure 36] 35 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 34. [Figure 37] 37 is a perspective view of FIG. 36. [Figure 38] 37 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 36. [Figure 39] 39 is a perspective view of FIG. 38. [Figure 40] 38, followed by an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation. [Figure 41] 40 is a perspective view of FIG. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tap selector for 18 contacts according to a second embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the 18-contact Geneva gear of the second embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a Geneva gear for 18 contacts according to a second embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the slider guide for 18 contacts according to the second embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the slider guide for 18 contacts according to the second embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the fixed contact for 18 contacts according to the second embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tap selector for 16 contacts according to a third embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the 16-contact Geneva gear of the third embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a 16-contact Geneva gear according to a third embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the slider guide for 16 contacts according to the third embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a slider guide for 16 contacts according to a third embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the fixed contact for 16 contacts according to the third embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tap selector for 14 contacts according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the 14-contact Geneva gear of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 56]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a 14-contact Geneva gear according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled 14-contact slider guide of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a slider guide for 14 contacts according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the fixed contact for 14 contacts according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a 12-contact tap selector according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 61] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembled state of a 12-contact Geneva gear according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 62] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a 12-contact Geneva gear according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 63] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the 12-contact slider guide of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 64] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a slider guide for twelve contacts according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 65] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembled state of a fixed contact for twelve contacts according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 66] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a 10-contact tap selector according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 67] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the ten-contact Geneva gear of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 68] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a ten-contact Geneva gear according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 69] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the slider guide for ten contacts according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 70] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a slider guide for ten contacts according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 71] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the fixed contact for ten contacts according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 72] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tap selector of a comparative example. [Figure 73] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a Geneva gear drive unit of a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, the tap switching mechanism of the tap selector of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an on-load tap changer of a first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a drive transmission unit of the tap selector of the first embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tap selector of the first embodiment. The on-load tap changer 1 is a device that adjusts voltage by changing the turns ratio (transformation ratio) of a transformer during operation. As shown in Figure 1, the on-load tap changer 1 includes a tap selector 2, a drive mechanism 3, a reduction gear mechanism 4, a diverter switch 5, and an oil tank 6.

[0009] The tap selector 2 selects the tap to operate on in the transformer tap winding. The drive mechanism 3 drives the tap selector 2 by a driving force transmitted from an electric operating device (not shown) via a drive shaft 7 . The speed reducing mechanism 4 reduces the rotation speed of the rotational motion transmitted to the drive shaft 7 from an electric operating device (not shown).

[0010] The diverter switch 5 switches the circuit to the selected tap. The diverter switch 5 is placed inside the oil tank 6. The diverter switch 5 is immersed in insulating oil inside the oil tank 6. The diverter switch 5 has multiple tap terminals (not shown). The multiple tap terminals are connected to the tap selector 2 by wiring 8. Current is transmitted between them by the wiring 8. The diverter switch 5 is attached to the top of the tap selector 2 by mounting legs 10. A rotational driving force is transmitted to the drive mechanism 3 by the drive shaft 7, and tap switching is performed.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, a drive coupling 11 is attached to the lower part of the drive shaft 7. The driving force transmitted via the drive shaft 7 rotates and drives a drive transmission gear train 12 via the drive coupling 11. The rotation of the drive transmission gear train 12 rotates and drives a drive coupling 13. A Geneva driver 30 is connected to the drive coupling 13. The rotation of the drive coupling 13 rotates and drives the Geneva driver 30. The rotation of the Geneva driver 30 rotates and drives a Geneva gear 40 (for example, a 12-contact Geneva gear 40A).

[0012] Generally, tap selectors are classified into a single switching method and a parallel switching method. The single switching method is a method in which two movable contacts are operated simultaneously, and one movable contact is switched without current while the other movable contact remains energized. The parallel switching method is a method in which both movable contacts are operated only with no current, and odd and even taps are alternately switched in parallel. In the embodiment, a tap selector capable of parallel switching using a single Geneva gear will be described.

[0013] The number of taps (contacts) of a tap selector varies depending on the adjustment range of the system voltage. For example, the number of taps is set in the range of 10 to 40. In the following examples, a tap selector with 10 contacts (hereinafter also referred to as a "10-contact tap selector") and a tap selector with 12 contacts (hereinafter also referred to as a "12-contact tap selector") will be described.

[0014] First, the 12-contact tap selector of the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the 12-contact tap selector 2 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the 12-contact tap selector 2 includes an upper plate 20, a lower plate 21, and support posts 22A and 22B. The upper plate 20 and the lower plate 21 each extend horizontally. The upper plate 20 supports the upper part of the 12-contact tap selector 2. The lower plate 21 supports the lower part (bottom) of the 12-contact tap selector 2. The pillars 22A and 22B extend in the vertical direction. The pillars 22A and 22B connect the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 21. A plurality of pillars 22A and 22B are provided. In the embodiment, six pillars 22A and 22B are provided between the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 21 to form the housing structure.

[0015] The 12-contact tap selector 2 includes a plurality of changeover switches 110, 120 for changing over the contacts. The plurality of changeover switches 110, 120 includes a main changeover switch 110 and a sub-changeover switch 120 connected to the main changeover switch 110 via a Geneva driver. The plurality of support columns 22A, 22B includes a main support column 22A that supports the main changeover switch 110 and a sub-support column 22B that supports the sub-changeover switch 120. The main changeover switch 110 is supported by four main support columns 22A. The sub-changeover switch 120 is supported by two sub-support columns 22B.

[0016] The main switch 110 includes main fixed units 111A and 111B having fixed contacts, and main movable units 112A and 112B that are movable relative to the main fixed units 111A and 111B. The main fixed units 111A and 111B are attached to the main support columns 22A through mounting holes formed in the four main support columns 22A. A plurality of main fixed units 111A and 111B are provided at intervals in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, six main fixed units 111A and 111B (three main fixed units 111A and three main fixed units 111B) are provided at equal intervals in the vertical direction.

[0017] The sub-switch 120 includes a sub-fixed unit 121 having fixed contacts, and a sub-movable unit 122 that is movable relative to the sub-fixed unit 121. The sub-fixed unit 121 is attached to the sub-supports 22B through mounting holes formed in the two sub-supports 22B. A plurality of sub-fixed units 121 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, three sub-fixed units 121 are provided at equal intervals in the vertical direction.

[0018] The main movable units 112A, 112B are driven by the rotation of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. The main movable units 112A, 112B include drive columns 141A, 141B that support the movable contacts 140A, 140B. When the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A rotates, the movable contacts 140A, 140B are driven via the drive columns 141A, 141B. The tap changing operation is performed by driving the movable contacts 140A, 140B. The tap changing mechanism 100 of the tap selector 2 constitutes the drive mechanism part of the main changer 110.

[0019] The following describes in detail the configuration (drive mechanism) of the main switch 110 in the 12-contact tap selector 2. The sub-switch 120 has the same configuration as the main switch 110, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a Geneva gear drive unit of the first embodiment, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a movable contact drive unit of the first embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a tap changer mechanism of the first embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A includes a 12-contact Geneva top 41A and a Geneva base 42 to which the 12-contact Geneva top 41A is detachably attached. The 12-contact Geneva gear 40A is rotatably supported by the upper support flange 24 via a Geneva support bearing 26. Geneva grooves are formed in the Geneva base 42 at the same groove intervals as those in the 12-contact Geneva top 41A. Geneva grooves are formed in the 10-contact Geneva top at twice the intervals of the former and at a different height than the former.

[0021] A Geneva driver 30 coupled to a Geneva drive shaft 31 is provided adjacent to the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. The Geneva drive shaft 31 engages with the drive coupling 13 (see FIG. 3). A pair of Geneva drive pins 32, 33 is provided on the outer periphery of the Geneva driver 30 at positions corresponding to the 12-contact Geneva groove and the 10-contact Geneva groove, respectively. The pair of Geneva drive pins 32 (for normal angle) corresponds to the 12-contact Geneva groove. The pair of Geneva drive pins 33 (for double angle) corresponds to the 10-contact Geneva groove. Each Geneva drive pin 32, 33 of the Geneva driver 30 meshes with each Geneva groove at the rotational phase of the corresponding Geneva gear 40. In this embodiment, each Geneva gear 40 is configured to rotate a predetermined angle by meshing each Geneva drive pin 32, 33 with the corresponding Geneva groove.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 5, a 12-contact slider guide 70A is provided below the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. A drive slider 60 is provided below the 12-contact slider guide 70A. The drive slider 60 is slidably supported relative to the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. The 12-contact slider guide 70A engages with the drive slider 60. The 12-contact slider guide 70A is fixed in a fixed position. The 12-contact slider guide 70A guides the movement of the drive slider 60 in conjunction with the rotation of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A.

[0023] A pair of drive members 50A, 50B are provided below the drive slider 60. The pair of drive members 50A, 50B includes a first drive member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A in conjunction with the rotation of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A, and a second drive member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B in conjunction with the rotation of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. The first drive member 50A and the second drive member 50B engage with the drive slider 60. The first drive member 50A and the second drive member 50B are driven to rotate in conjunction with the movement of the drive slider 60. Each movable contact 140A, 140B is attached to each drive member 50A, 50B via a corresponding drive support column 141A, 141B. The movable contacts 140A and 140B are driven integrally with the drive posts 141A and 141B which are linked to the drive members 50A and 50B, respectively.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 6, the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A is arranged concentrically with the reference axis G (the central axis of the insulating support cylinder 23). Hereinafter, the direction along the reference axis G will be referred to as the "axial direction," the direction perpendicular to the axial direction as the "radial direction," and the direction around the reference axis G as the "circumferential direction." In the embodiment, the axial direction is the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction (the up-down direction). In the embodiment, the circumferential direction of the Geneva gear coincides with the rotation direction of the Geneva gear.

[0025] The drive pillars 141A, 141B are provided as a pair corresponding to the drive members 50A, 50B. The pair of drive pillars 141A, 141B extend in the vertical direction along the reference axis G. The pair of drive pillars 141A, 141B is a first drive pillar 141A that supports the first movable contact 140A, and a second drive pillar 141B that supports the second movable contact 140B.

[0026] The first movable contacts 140A and second movable contacts 140B are provided in numbers corresponding to the three phases, U, V, and W. In this embodiment, three first movable contacts 140A are provided, one for each of the U, V, and W phases, and three second movable contacts 140B are provided, one for each of the U, V, and W phases. The three first movable contacts 140A for the U, V, and W phases are attached to the first drive support column 141A. The three second movable contacts 140B for the U, V, and W phases are attached to the second drive support column 141B.

[0027] A pair of first driving members 50A are provided on the upper and lower parts of the first driving support column 141A. A pair of second driving members 50B are provided on the upper and lower parts of the second driving support column 141B. The upper first driving member 50A and second driving member 50B are rotatably supported by the upper support flange 24. The lower first driving member 50A and second driving member 50B are rotatably supported by the lower support flange 25.

[0028] The upper support flange 24 is connected to the upper end of the insulating support tube 23, which extends in the vertical direction. The insulating support tube 23 is insulating and formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The lower support flange 25 is connected to the lower end of the insulating support tube 23. The upper first drive member 50A and second drive member 50B are provided on the upper end side of the insulating support tube 23. The lower first drive member 50A and second drive member 50B are provided on the lower end side of the insulating support tube 23. The upper first drive member 50A and second drive member 50B and the lower first drive member 50A and second drive member 50B are rotatable around the insulating support tube 23. Each drive member 50A, 50B is rotatable around a reference axis G.

[0029] The first driving member 50A and the second driving member 50B are shaped so that they can be installed on the upper and lower parts of the driving columns 141A, 141B by turning one type of driving member upside down. In this embodiment, the pair of upper and lower first driving members 50A are located at different vertical positions but have the same shape. The pair of upper and lower second driving members 50B are located at different vertical positions but have the same shape. The second driving member 50B has a shape obtained by turning the first driving member 50A upside down. The four driving members 50A, 50B (the pair of upper and lower first driving members 50A and the pair of upper and lower second driving members 50B) are configured from a common driving member.

[0030] The insulating support cylinder 23 is provided with a U-phase unit 111U corresponding to the U-phase, a V-phase unit 111V corresponding to the V-phase, and a W-phase unit 111W corresponding to the W-phase. The three-phase units 111U, 111V, and 111W are arranged in the order of U-phase unit 111U, V-phase unit 111V, and W-phase unit 111W from the top. Each of the phase units 111U, 111V, and 111W includes an upper main fixed unit 111B (odd-numbered tap side) and a lower main fixed unit 111A (even-numbered tap side).

[0031] Current collecting rings 27A and 27B are provided in the insulating support cylinder 23 at positions corresponding to the main fixed units 111A and 111B. The current collecting rings 27A and 27B are formed in an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction. The current collecting rings 27A and 27B are made up of a current collecting ring 27B (odd tap side) arranged on the upper side of each phase unit 111U, 111V, and 111W, and a current collecting ring 27A (even tap side) arranged on the lower side of each phase unit 111U, 111V, and 111W.

[0032] Next, the detailed structure of the drive mechanism will be described. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment as seen from above. Fig. 8 is another exploded perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment as seen from above. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment as seen from below. Fig. 10 is another exploded perspective view of the tap changing mechanism of the first embodiment as seen from below.

[0033] The drive slider 60 is slidably supported relative to the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. The drive slider 60 is formed in the shape of a plate extending horizontally. The drive slider 60 has a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the insulating support tube 23. The drive slider 60 has an elongated hole through which the insulating support tube 23 passes. The drive slider 60 is formed from sheet metal. For example, the drive slider 60 is a component obtained by blanking sheet metal.

[0034] 8, the drive slider 60 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) slide grooves 63. The slide grooves 63 extend along the longitudinal direction of the drive slider 60. Of the four slide grooves 63, two are arranged on each side of the drive slider 63 in the lateral direction (width direction). The two slide grooves 63 on the outer sides of the drive slider 63 in the lateral direction are arranged at an interval from each other in the longitudinal direction of the drive slider 60.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 10 , a plurality of slider support pins 65 (four in this embodiment) are provided on the underside of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A (an example of the Geneva gear 40). The slider support pins 65 extend downward from the underside of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. Slide rollers 66 are attached to the lower ends of the slider support pins 65. The slide rollers 66 are arranged in the respective slide grooves 63 of the drive slider 60. The drive slider 60 is supported by the slider support pins 65 via the slide rollers 66.

[0036] A slider drive roller 61 is attached to the outer end of the drive slider 60 in the longitudinal direction. The slider drive roller 61 is located in the center of the drive slider 60 in the short direction. The slider drive roller 61 is provided on the upper surface of the drive slider 60. A slider drive groove 73 is formed on the lower surface of the 12-contact slider guide 70A (an example of the slider guide 70). The slider drive roller 61 is located in the slider drive groove 73. The 12-contact slider guide 70A engages with the drive slider 60 via the slider drive roller 61. The 12-contact slider guide 70A guides the movement of the drive slider 60 in conjunction with the rotation of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A.

[0037] 8, the drive slider 60 has a pair of arm engagement grooves 62A, 62B. The arm engagement grooves 62A, 62B extend along the short side direction of the drive slider 60. The arm engagement grooves 62A, 62B are arranged on the outside in the short side direction of the drive slider 60. The arm engagement grooves 62A, 62B are arranged between two slide grooves 63 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the drive slider 60.

[0038] A first arm drive roller 51A is attached to the upper surface of the first drive member 50A. A second arm drive roller 51B is attached to the upper surface of the second drive member 50B. The first drive member 50A and the second drive member 50B are supported by the upper support flange 24 via arm support bearings 52. The first arm drive roller 51A and the second arm drive roller 51B are spaced apart from each other via the arm support bearings 52.

[0039] The first arm drive roller 51A is disposed in one arm engagement groove 62A. The second arm drive roller 51B is disposed in the other arm engagement groove 62B. The first drive member 50A engages with the drive slider 60 via the first arm drive roller 51A. The second drive member 50B engages with the drive slider 60 via the second arm drive roller 51B. The first drive member 50A and the second drive member 50B are driven to rotate in conjunction with the movement of the drive slider 60.

[0040] Next, the components for 12 contacts (normal angle drive) and 10 contacts (partially double angle drive) will be described in detail. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the Geneva gear of the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the 12-contact Geneva gear of the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the 10-contact Geneva gear of the first embodiment.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 11, the Geneva gear has a gear base 42 that is common to both 12-contact (normal angle drive) and 10-contact (partial double angle drive) gears. The gear base 42 has a Geneva top mounting portion 44 to which Geneva tops 41A and 41B are detachably attached. Different types of Geneva tops 41A and 41B can be attached to the Geneva top mounting portion 44 of one type of gear base 42. In the embodiment, the 12-contact Geneva top 41A and the 10-contact Geneva top 41B can be attached to the Geneva top mounting portion 44 of one type of gear base 42.

[0042] The Geneva top mounting portion 44 is a recess provided in a portion of the circumference of the gear base 42. When viewed from the axial direction, the Geneva top mounting portion 44 has a shape that follows the outer shape of the Geneva tops 41A, 41B. For example, the Geneva tops 41A, 41B are fixed to the gear base 42 with fastening members such as bolts while being placed on the Geneva top mounting portion 44.

[0043] The gear base 42 has a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) Geneva grooves 43. The eight Geneva grooves 43 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the gear base 42. The eight Geneva grooves 43 are arranged at intervals of 30 degrees. Here, the interval between the Geneva grooves 43 refers to the interval of the angle (central angle) formed between the center lines of two Geneva grooves 43 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction when viewed from the axial direction.

[0044] 12, the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A includes a 12-contact Geneva top 41A and a gear base 42. The 12-contact Geneva top 41A is provided at a portion of the rotational direction of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. The 12-contact Geneva top 41A is detachably attached to a Geneva top attachment portion 44 of the gear base 42.

[0045] The 12-contact Geneva top 41A has multiple (four in this embodiment) top grooves 45A. The four top grooves 45A are arranged at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the 12-contact Geneva top 41A. The four top grooves 45A are arranged at 30-degree intervals. Here, the interval between the top grooves 45A refers to the angle (central angle) formed between the center lines of two circumferentially adjacent top grooves 45A when viewed in the axial direction.

[0046] The 12-contact Geneva gear 40A has grooves 43, 45A of the same shape as each other when viewed in the axial direction. The grooves 43, 45A are recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A. In the 12-contact Geneva gear 40A, a total of 12 grooves 43, 45A are provided at the same dividing angle and at the same height position (vertical position).

[0047] 13, the 10-contact Geneva gear 40B includes a 10-contact Geneva top 41B and a gear base 42. The 10-contact Geneva top 41B is provided at a portion of the rotational direction of the 10-contact Geneva gear 40B. The 10-contact Geneva top 41B is detachably attached to a Geneva top attachment portion 44 of the gear base 42.

[0048] The 10-contact Geneva top 41B has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) top grooves 45B. The two top grooves 45B are arranged at an interval along the outer periphery of the 10-contact Geneva top 41B.

[0049] The 10-contact Geneva gear 40B has a groove 43 for normal angle drive and a groove 45B for double angle drive. The grooves 43, 45B are recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the 10-contact Geneva gear 40B. A total of 10 grooves 43, 45B are arranged in the 10-contact Geneva gear 40B. In the 10-contact Geneva gear 40B, two grooves 45B are provided at double the division angle of the groove 43 formed in the gear base 42. In the 10-contact Geneva gear 40B, the two grooves 45B are provided at different height positions (vertical positions) relative to the eight grooves 43.

[0050] The Geneva drive pin 33 (for double angle) of the Geneva driver 30 is disposed at a height position corresponding to the two grooves 45B. On the other hand, the Geneva drive pin 32 (for normal angle) of the Geneva driver 30 is disposed at a height position corresponding to the other grooves 43, 45A (see FIG. 12). When the Geneva drive pin 32 (for normal angle) or the Geneva drive pin 33 (for double angle) engages with the corresponding grooves 43, 45A, 45B, the Geneva gears 40A, 40B rotate by a predetermined angle.

[0051] Next, the component configuration of the slider guide corresponding to the above-mentioned 12-contact and 10-contact types will be described. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the slider guide of the first embodiment, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the slider guide for 12 contacts of the first embodiment, and Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the slider guide for 10 contacts of the first embodiment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 14, the slider guide includes a common guide base 72 for both 12-contact (normal angle drive) and 10-contact (partial double angle drive) sliders. The slider guide is made of resin. The guide base 72 has a guide piece attachment portion 74 to which guide pieces 71A and 71B are detachably attached. Different types of guide pieces 71A and 71B can be attached to the guide piece attachment portion 74 of one type of guide base 72. In this embodiment, the 12-contact guide piece 71A and the 10-contact guide piece 71B can be attached to the guide piece attachment portion 74 of one type of guide base 72 interchangeably.

[0053] The guide piece attachment portion 74 is a recess provided in a portion of the circumferential direction of the guide base 72. When viewed in the axial direction, the guide piece attachment portion 74 has a shape that follows the outer shapes of the guide pieces 71A and 71B. For example, the guide pieces 71A and 71B are arranged in the guide piece attachment portion 74 and fixed to the guide base 72 with fastening members such as bolts.

[0054] The guide base 72 has a slider drive groove 73 that is petal-shaped when viewed in the axial direction. The slider drive groove 73 is formed on the underside of the guide base 72. The slider drive groove 73 is disposed on the outer periphery of the guide base 72. The slider drive groove 73 curves continuously along the circumferential direction of the guide base 72 and is connected to a guide piece attachment portion 74.

[0055] A plurality of (four in this embodiment) protrusions 79 that protrude radially outward are provided on the outer periphery of the guide base 72. The four protrusions 79 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the guide base 72. For example, the slider guide 70 is attached to the main support column 22A by inserting the protrusions 79 of the guide base 72 into the attachment holes of the main support column 22A (see FIG. 3).

[0056] 15, the 12-contact slider guide 70A includes a 12-contact guide piece 71A and a guide base 72. The 12-contact guide piece 71A is provided at a portion of the circumferential direction of the 12-contact slider guide 70A. The 12-contact guide piece 71A is detachably attached to a guide piece attachment portion 74 of the guide base 72.

[0057] The 12-contact guide piece 71A has a piece side groove 75A (for normal angular drive) that is continuous with the slider drive groove 73. The piece side groove 75A (for normal angular drive) of the 12-contact guide piece 71A has a shape that curves radially outward when viewed from the axial direction.

[0058] The fixed contact 130 is provided on a fixed plate 131. The fixed plate 131 is formed in an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction. For example, the fixed plate 131 is formed of an insulating material such as insulating resin. The fixed plate 131 has a contact mounting portion 132 to which the fixed contact 130 is detachably attached. The contact mounting portion 132 is recessed inward from the outer surface of the fixed plate 131 so that the fixed contact 130 can be fitted from the outside. A plurality of contact mounting portions 132 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixed plate 130. Some of the plurality of contact mounting portions 132 are provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece mounting portions 74.

[0059] A plurality of (four in this embodiment) fixing protrusions 139 that protrude radially outward are provided on the outer periphery of the fixing plate 131. The four fixing protrusions 139 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the fixing plate 131. The fixing plate 131 and the fixing protrusions 139 constitute main fixing units 111A, 111B (see FIG. 3). For example, the main fixing units 111A, 111B are attached to the main support post 22A by inserting the fixing protrusions 139 into mounting holes in the main support post 22A (see FIG. 3).

[0060] 15, in the assembled state of the 12-contact slider guide 70A, the fixed contacts 130 are provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece attachment portions 74. For example, in the assembled state of the 12-contact slider guide 70A, the fixed contacts 130 are attached to all of the contact attachment portions 132 of the fixed plate 131.

[0061] 16, the 10-contact slider guide 70B includes a 10-contact guide piece 71B and a guide base 72. The 10-contact guide piece 71B is provided at a portion of the circumferential direction of the 10-contact slider guide 70B. The 10-contact guide piece 71B is detachably attached to a guide piece attachment portion 74 of the guide base 72.

[0062] The 10-contact guide piece 71B has a piece side groove 75B (for double angle drive) that continues to the slider drive groove 73. The piece side groove 75B (for double angle drive) of the 10-contact guide piece 71B has a shape that curves radially inward when viewed from the axial direction.

[0063] In the assembled state of the 10-contact slider guide 70B, the fixed contact 130 is not provided at a position corresponding to the guide piece mounting portion 74. For example, in the assembled state of the 10-contact slider guide 70B, the fixed contact 130 of the phase where the 10-contact guide piece 71B is mounted is removed from the contact mounting portion 132.

[0064] Next, the movement of each driving member driven by the driving slider and the groove locus of each slider guide that determines the movement of each driving member will be described. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the assembled state of the slider guide for 12 contacts of the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a plan view of the assembled state of the slider guide for 10 contacts of the first embodiment. Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the groove locus of the slider guide for 12 contacts of the first embodiment. Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the groove locus of the slider guide for 10 contacts of the first embodiment. Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the drive slider and each drive member of the first embodiment.

[0065] 17 and 18, portions 76A and 76B of the groove locus of each slider guide are indicated by thick lines. In Figures 19 to 21, dimension A means the distance from the center of drive slider 60 (center line of arm engagement groove) to the center of slider drive roller 61, dimension D means the distance from the rotation center (reference axis G) of drive member 50A (50B) to the center of arm drive roller 51A (51B), dimension C means dimension D × sin 30 degrees, and dimension B means AC.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 20, the groove locus 76B for double angle drive is determined by an arc passing through points corresponding to dimension A, dimension A+C at ±30 degrees positions, and dimension B(AC) with respect to the same center. Here, 30 degrees is the angle corresponding to the groove division angle (normal angle) of a 12-contact Geneva gear.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 19, groove trajectory 76A for normal angle drive is obtained by connecting trajectories that are mirror images of groove trajectory 76B for double angle drive (see Fig. 20) along a line connecting the 30-degree midpoint and reference axis G. The reason for this is that the rotational drive of drive member 50A (50B) is reversed at 30-degree intervals.

[0068] Next, the relative movement of each driving member with respect to the movement of the driving slider will be described. The state at the center of the page in Figure 21 shows a state in which the line connecting the centers of the pair of arm drive rollers 51A, 51B and the center of rotation (reference axis G) of the drive members 50A, 50B are on the same straight line. In the state at the center of the page in Figure 21, the angle between the pair of drive members 50A, 50B is 60 degrees. Here, the angle between the pair of drive members 50A, 50B means the angle (central angle) formed by the portions (arm portions) of the drive members 50A, 50B that extend outward from the arm drive rollers 51A, 51B when viewed in the axial direction.

[0069] The state on the left side of Figure 21 shows a state in which the drive slider 60 has moved outward by a dimension C from the state at the center of the page. In the state on the left side of Figure 21, the drive members 50A, 50B are rotated 30 degrees from the state at the center of the page in directions in which they approach each other. In the state on the left side of Figure 21, the angle between the pair of drive members 50A, 50B is 0 degrees.

[0070] The state on the right side of Figure 21 shows a state in which the drive slider 60 has moved toward the center by a dimension C from the state at the center of the page. In the state on the right side of Figure 21, the drive members 50A, 50B are rotated 30 degrees away from each other from the state at the center of the page. In the state on the right side of Figure 21, the angle between the pair of drive members 50A, 50B is 120 degrees.

[0071] Therefore, during normal angle driving, every 30-degree rotation of the Geneva gear, a reciprocating movement occurs between the state on the left side of the page and the state in the center of the page in Fig. 21. In other words, during normal angle driving, every 30-degree rotation of the Geneva gear, an opening and closing movement in which the included angle between the pair of drive members 50A, 50B changes from 0 degrees to 60 degrees is repeated.

[0072] On the other hand, during double angle driving, a reciprocating movement occurs between the state on the left side of the page and the state on the right side of the page in Fig. 21 every time the Geneva gear rotates 30 degrees. That is, during double angle driving, an opening and closing movement in which the included angle between the pair of driving members 50A, 50B changes from 0 degrees to 120 degrees is repeated every time the Geneva gear rotates 30 degrees.

[0073] The drive slider 60 slides toward the outer periphery or the center in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear, and rotates integrally with the Geneva gear. The drive slider 60 rotates 30 degrees (normal rotation) or 60 degrees (double angle rotation) in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear. As a result, the rotational drive of the pair of drive members 50A, 50B alternately repeats cancellation and addition depending on the rotation direction on the odd-numbered tap side and the even-numbered tap side.

[0074] Here, "cancellation" means that the driving member moves in the opposite direction to the forward direction along the rotational direction of the Geneva gear, thereby canceling out the rotation of the Geneva gear. In other words, "cancellation" means that the driving member moves back by the amount of rotation of the Geneva gear, thereby essentially stopping (stop drive). "Addition" means that the driving member moves in the forward direction along the rotational direction of the Geneva gear, and the rotation angle of the Geneva gear is added. In other words, "addition" means that the rotation angle of the driving member is doubled by adding the rotation angle of the Geneva gear to the rotation angle of the driving member (double angle drive).

[0075] In this embodiment, the drive members 50A and 50B alternate between stop drive and double angle drive in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear, thereby realizing parallel switching in which the odd tap side and the even tap side are alternately switched by the rotation of one Geneva gear.

[0076] Next, the switching operation of the 12-contact tap switching mechanism will be explained. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation by the 12-contact slider guide of the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of FIG. 22. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 22. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 24. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 26. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of FIG. 28. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 28. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of FIG. 30. In FIGS. 22 to 31, a portion of the 12-contact slider guide is shown in a see-through manner, and slider drive grooves and the like are indicated by solid lines.

[0077] 22 and 23, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) and the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) are aligned vertically (up and down). In the state of FIG. 23, the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) is positioned above the fixed contact 130 (tap N). In the state of FIG. 23, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) is positioned above the fixed contact 130 (tap N+1). In the state of FIG. 23, current flows through the first movable contact 140A (even tap side).

[0078] 24 and 25, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) rotates left (counterclockwise) first from the state in Figures 22 and 23. Meanwhile, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) continues to be energized even in the states in Figures 24 and 25, as in the states in Figures 22 and 23. In Figure 24, the rotation direction of the Geneva gear is indicated by arrow J, and the rotation direction of the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) is indicated by arrow Q.

[0079] For example, when the Geneva gear rotates in the direction of arrow J, the slider drive roller 61 is guided into the slider drive groove 73, causing the drive slider 60 to move toward the center. As a result, the first drive member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) moves by the same angle in the opposite direction to the rotation direction (arrow J direction) of the Geneva gear, thereby offsetting the rotation of the drive slider 60. Therefore, the first drive member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) maintains a stopped state (stop drive).

[0080] On the other hand, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) moves forward along the rotation direction of the Geneva gear (direction of arrow J) by the same angle, and rotates twice the rotation angle of the Geneva gear. Therefore, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) advances twice the rotation angle of the Geneva gear (double angle drive).

[0081] 26 and 27, the first step of tap switching is completed. In the states of FIGS. 26 and 27, current flows through the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side). In the states of FIGS. 26 and 27, the Geneva gear has rotated 30 degrees from the state of FIGS. 22 and 23, so that the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) is positioned above the fixed contact 130 (tap N+2). In the state of FIG. 26, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) has rotated 60 degrees from the state of FIG. 22.

[0082] On the other hand, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) is disposed on the fixed contact 130 (tap N+1) even in the states of Figures 26 and 27, similarly to the states of Figures 22 and 23. That is, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) maintains a stopped state (stop drive).

[0083] 28 and 29, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) rotates left (counterclockwise) first from the state in Figures 26 and 27. Meanwhile, the second movable contact 140B (even tap side) continues to be energized even in the states in Figures 28 and 29, just as in the states in Figures 26 and 27. In Figure 28, the rotation direction of the Geneva gear is indicated by arrow J, and the rotation direction of the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (odd tap side) is indicated by arrow R.

[0084] For example, when the Geneva gear rotates in the direction of arrow J, the slider drive roller 61 is guided into the top groove 75A that is connected to the slider drive groove 73, causing the drive slider 60 to move outward. As a result, the second drive member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) moves by the same angle in the opposite direction to the rotation direction (arrow J direction) of the Geneva gear, thereby offsetting the rotation of the drive slider 60. Therefore, the second drive member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) remains stopped (stop drive).

[0085] On the other hand, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) moves forward along the rotation direction of the Geneva gear (direction of arrow J) by the same angle, and rotates twice the rotation angle of the Geneva gear. Therefore, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) advances twice the rotation angle of the Geneva gear (double angle drive).

[0086] In the state shown in Figures 30 and 31, the second step of tap switching is completed. As a result, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) and the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) are aligned vertically (up and down). In the state shown in Figures 30 and 31, current flows through the first movable contact 140A (even tap side). In the state shown in Figures 30 and 31, the Geneva gear has rotated 30 degrees from the state shown in Figures 26 and 27, so that the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) is positioned above the fixed contact 130 (tap N+3). In the state shown in Figure 30, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) has rotated 60 degrees from the state shown in Figure 26.

[0087] On the other hand, the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) is disposed on the fixed contact 130 (tap N+2) even in the states of Figures 30 and 31, similarly to the states of Figures 26 and 27. That is, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) maintains a stopped state (stop drive).

[0088] As described above, the Geneva gear rotates by 60 degrees (30 degrees in the first step plus 30 degrees in the second step) through a two-step switching operation. As a result, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) and the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) each rotate by 60 degrees.

[0089] Next, the switching operation of the tap switching mechanism with 10 contacts (during double angle drive) will be explained. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation by the 10-contact slider guide of the first embodiment. FIG. 33 is a perspective view of FIG. 32. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 32. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of FIG. 34. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 34. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of FIG. 36. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 36. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of FIG. 38. FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of the tap changing operation following FIG. 38. FIG. 41 is a perspective view of FIG. 40. In FIGS. 32 to 41, a portion of the 10-contact slider guide is shown in a see-through manner, and slider drive grooves and the like are indicated by solid lines.

[0090] 32 and 33, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) and the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) are aligned vertically (up and down). In the state of FIG. 33, the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) is positioned above the fixed contact 130 (tap N). In the state of FIG. 33, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) is positioned above the fixed contact 130 (tap N+1). In the state of FIG. 33, current flows through the first movable contact 140A (even tap side).

[0091] 34 and 35, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) rotates left (counterclockwise) first from the state in Figures 32 and 33. Meanwhile, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) continues to be energized even in the states in Figures 34 and 35, just as in the states in Figures 32 and 33. In Figure 34, the rotation direction of the Geneva gear is indicated by arrow J, and the rotation direction of the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) is indicated by arrow Q.

[0092] For example, when the Geneva gear rotates in the direction of arrow J, the slider drive roller 61 is guided by the slider drive groove 73 and the top groove 75B, causing the drive slider 60 to move toward the center. As a result, the first drive member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) moves by the same angle in the opposite direction to the rotation direction (arrow J direction) of the Geneva gear, thereby offsetting the rotation of the drive slider 60. Therefore, the first drive member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) maintains a stopped state (stop drive).

[0093] On the other hand, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) moves forward along the rotation direction of the Geneva gear (direction of arrow J) by the same angle, and rotates twice the rotation angle of the Geneva gear. Therefore, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) advances twice the rotation angle of the Geneva gear (double angle drive).

[0094] In the state of Figures 36 and 37, the first step of tap switching is completed. In the state of Figures 36 and 37, current is conducted through the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side). In the state of Figures 36 and 37, the Geneva gear has rotated 60 degrees from the state of Figures 32 and 33, so that the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) is positioned above the fixed contact 130 (tap N+2). In the state of Figure 36, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) has rotated 120 degrees from the state of Figure 32.

[0095] On the other hand, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) is positioned on the fixed contact 130 (tap N+1) even in the states of Figures 36 and 37, similar to the states of Figures 32 and 33. That is, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) maintains a stopped state (stop drive).

[0096] 38 and 39, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) rotates left (counterclockwise) first from the state in Figures 36 and 37. Meanwhile, the second movable contact 140B (even tap side) continues to be energized even in the states in Figures 38 and 39, just like the states in Figures 36 and 37. In Figure 38, the rotation direction of the Geneva gear is indicated by arrow J, and the rotation direction of the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (odd tap side) is indicated by arrow R.

[0097] For example, when the Geneva gear rotates in the direction of arrow J, the slider drive roller 61 is guided by the top groove 75B and the slider drive groove 73, causing the drive slider 60 to move outward. As a result, the second drive member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) moves by the same angle in the opposite direction to the rotation direction (arrow J direction) of the Geneva gear, thereby offsetting the rotation of the drive slider 60. Therefore, the second drive member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) remains stopped (stop drive).

[0098] On the other hand, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) moves forward along the rotation direction of the Geneva gear (direction of arrow J) by the same angle, and rotates twice the rotation angle of the Geneva gear. Therefore, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) advances twice the rotation angle of the Geneva gear (double angle drive).

[0099] In the state shown in Figures 40 and 41, the second step of tap switching is completed. As a result, the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) and the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) are aligned vertically (up and down). In the state shown in Figures 40 and 41, current flows through the first movable contact 140A (even tap side). In the state shown in Figures 40 and 41, the Geneva gear has rotated 60 degrees from the state shown in Figures 36 and 37, so that the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) is positioned above the fixed contact 130 (tap N+3). In the state shown in Figure 40, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) has rotated 120 degrees from the state shown in Figure 36.

[0100] On the other hand, the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) is disposed on the fixed contact 130 (tap N+2) even in the states of Figures 40 and 41, similarly to the states of Figures 36 and 37. That is, the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) maintains a stopped state (stop drive).

[0101] As described above, the Geneva gear rotates 120 degrees (60 degrees in the first step plus 60 degrees in the second step) through a two-step switching operation. As a result, the first driving member 50A that drives the first movable contact 140A (even tap side) and the second driving member 50B that drives the second movable contact 140B (odd tap side) each rotate 120 degrees.

[0102] As described above, the tap changing mechanism 100 of the tap selector 2 of this embodiment has the Geneva gear 40, the first driving member 50A, and the second driving member 50B. The Geneva gear 40 rotates around the reference axis G. The first driving member 50A drives the first movable contact 140A in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear 40. The second driving member 50B drives the second movable contact 140B in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear 40. The first driving member 50A and the second driving member 50B alternately repeat double-angle driving and stop driving. The double-angle driving is a driving that moves in the forward direction along the rotation direction J of the Geneva gear 40, and moves a predetermined multiple of the rotation angle of the Geneva gear 40. The stop driving is a driving that moves in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction, offsetting the rotation of the Geneva gear 40. The above configuration provides the following effects. The first driving member 50A and the second driving member 50B can alternately repeat double-angle driving and stop driving with one Geneva gear 40. Therefore, even when dealing with a fluctuating number of taps, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0103] The tap switching mechanism 100 of this embodiment includes a drive slider 60 slidably supported on the Geneva gear 40, and a slider guide 70 that engages with the drive slider 60 and guides the movement of the drive slider 60 in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear 40. The first drive member 50A and the second drive member 50B engage with the drive slider 60 and alternately repeat double-angle drive and stop drive in conjunction with the movement of the drive slider 60. The above configuration provides the following effects. The movement (sliding) action of the drive slider 60 linked to the rotation of the Geneva gear 40 and the engagement between the drive slider 60 and the slider guide 70 allow the first drive member 50A and the second drive member 50B to alternate between double-angle drive and stop drive.

[0104] The slider guide 70 of this embodiment is made of resin, and thus provides the following effects. Compared to when the slider guide 70 is made of metal, it is possible to achieve a lighter weight, improved sliding durability, and reduced costs.

[0105] The driving slider 60 of this embodiment is made of sheet metal, and thus provides the following effects. Compared to when the drive slider 60 is made of resin, it can be made thinner. In addition, the drive slider 60 of this embodiment is a component obtained by blanking a metal plate, which contributes to cost reduction.

[0106] The tap changing mechanism 100 of this embodiment includes a first drive support column 141A that extends in the vertical direction along the reference axis G and supports the first movable contact 140A, and a second drive support column 141B that extends in the vertical direction and supports the second movable contact 140B. A pair of first drive members 50A are provided above and below the first drive support column 141A. A pair of second drive members 50B are provided above and below the second drive support column 141B. The above configuration provides the following effects. Compared to the case where each of the driving members 50A, 50B is provided only on one end side of each of the driving pillars 141A, 141B, each of the movable contacts 140A, 140B can be driven stably with high precision.

[0107] The first driving member 50A and the second driving member 50B of this embodiment are shaped so that they can be installed on the upper parts of the first driving support column 141A and the upper parts of the second driving support column 141B, and on the lower parts of the first driving support column 141A and the lower parts of the second driving support column 141B, by turning one type of driving member upside down. The above configuration provides the following effects. Even when the corresponding drive members 50A, 50B are provided on the upper and lower parts of the drive columns 141A, 141B, a common drive member can be used, thereby preventing an increase in the number of parts.

[0108] The Geneva gear 40 of this embodiment comprises Geneva tops 41A, 41B provided at a portion of the rotational direction of the Geneva gear 40, and a gear base 42 having a Geneva top mounting portion 44 to which the Geneva tops 41A, 41B are detachably mounted. Different types of Geneva tops 41A, 41B can be attached to the Geneva top mounting portion 44 of one type of gear base 42. The above configuration provides the following effects. Even when the Geneva tops 41A and 41B are replaced with each other on the Geneva top mounting portion 44 to accommodate a varying number of tap points, the common gear base 42 can be used. Therefore, even when a varying number of tap points is accommodated, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0109] The slider guide 70 of this embodiment includes guide pieces 71A, 71B provided on a portion of the circumference of the slider guide 70, and a guide base 72 having a guide piece attachment portion 74 to which the guide pieces 71A, 71B are detachably attached. Different types of guide pieces 71A, 71B can be attached to the guide piece attachment portion 74 of one type of guide base 72. The above configuration provides the following effects. Even when the guide pieces 71A and 71B are replaced with each other on the guide piece attachment portion 74 to accommodate a varying number of taps, the common guide base 72 can be used. Therefore, even when a varying number of taps is accommodated, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0110] The tap changing mechanism 100 of this embodiment includes a plurality of fixed contacts 130 and an annular fixed plate 131 having contact mounting portions 132 to which the fixed contacts 130 are detachably attached. A plurality of contact mounting portions 132 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixed plate 131. Some of the plurality of contact mounting portions 132 are provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece mounting portions 74. The above-described configuration provides the following effects. Even when the fixed contacts 130 are attached to and detached from the contact attachment portions 132 to accommodate a varying number of taps, a common fixed plate 131 can be used. Therefore, even when accommodating a varying number of taps, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0111] As mentioned above, there are two switching methods for tap selectors: single switching and parallel switching. The single switching method uses one Geneva gear to simultaneously operate two moving contacts, one of which is de-energized and the other is energized. The parallel switching method uses two Geneva gears to alternately drive the non-energized moving contact, switching odd and even taps alternately in parallel.

[0112] Conventionally, for medium to large capacity on-load tap changers, it has been difficult to apply a single switching method in which the contacts on the current collecting ring side are moved while energized due to the current capacity. Therefore, for medium to large capacity on-load tap changers, a parallel switching method using two Geneva gears has been used.

[0113] Here, as a comparative example, an example of a parallel switching type tap selector using two Geneva gears will be described. Fig. 72 is a perspective view of a tap selector of a comparative example, and Fig. 73 is a perspective view of a Geneva gear drive unit of a comparative example. As shown in Figures 72 and 73, in the tap selector 1000 of the comparative example, reference numeral 1001 denotes wiring, reference numeral 1002 denotes a first Geneva gear (even tap side), reference numeral 1003 denotes a second Geneva gear (odd tap side), reference numeral 1004 denotes a Geneva support holder that supports the two Geneva gears 1002 and 1003, reference numeral 1005 denotes a Geneva driver that drives the two Geneva gears 1002 and 1003, reference numeral 1006 denotes a first drive roller (even tap side) attached to the end of the Geneva driver 1005, reference numeral 1007 denotes a second drive roller (odd tap side) attached at a position symmetrical to the first drive roller 1006, and reference numeral 1008 denotes a first drive arm (even tap side) that rotates integrally with the first Geneva gear 1002. The reference numeral 1009 indicates a second drive arm (odd tap side) that rotates integrally with the second Geneva gear 1003, the reference numeral 1010 indicates a fixed contact, the reference numeral 1011 indicates a fixed support supporting the multiple fixed contacts 1010, the reference numeral 1012A indicates a first movable contact (even tap side), the reference numeral 1012B indicates a second movable contact (odd tap side), the reference numeral 1013A indicates a first drive support connected to the first drive arm 1008, the reference numeral 1013B indicates a second drive support connected to the second drive arm 1009, the reference numeral 1110 indicates a main switch, the reference numeral 1111 indicates a main fixed unit, the reference numeral 1112A indicates a first main movable unit (even tap side), the reference numeral 1112B indicates a second main movable unit (odd tap side), and the reference numeral 1120 indicates a sub-switch.

[0114] In the tap selector 1000 of the comparative example, a pair of drive arms 1008 and 1009 are alternately driven in accordance with the alternate rotation of two Geneva gears 1002 and 1003. As a result, the corresponding movable contacts 1012A and 1012B are alternately moved by a predetermined angle, thereby switching the taps on the odd tap side or the even tap side.

[0115] However, the switching method of the comparative example has the following problems (1) to (5). (1) As a Geneva gear, which requires high precision and high strength, two Geneva gears are required, one dedicated to the odd tap side and one dedicated to the even tap side. (2) In order to support the rotation of two Geneva gears aligned vertically (vertically), a Geneva support holder is required that requires high concentricity and strength, and space is also required in the vertical direction (vertically). (3) To connect the upper Geneva gear with the corresponding movable contact, an opening must be provided in the lower Geneva gear to allow the connecting protrusion formed on the upper Geneva gear to pass through. This makes the part shape complex and requires consideration of strength. (4) Due to the above restrictions, the Geneva gears on the odd-numbered tap side and the even-numbered tap side are inevitably very expensive parts. (5) To accommodate multiple taps, two sets of dedicated Geneva gears are required for each tap, and the mounting position of the fixed contacts must also be changed. This makes it difficult to standardize parts, reducing the procurement quantity of each part and leading to increased costs. Furthermore, the increase in the number of parts is an obstacle to reducing labor hours and improving quality.

[0116] In contrast, according to this embodiment, a single Geneva gear 40 allows the first drive member 50A and the second drive member 50B to alternate between double-angle drive and stop drive. Therefore, even when dealing with a variable number of taps, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed. In addition, parallel switching can be performed with a single Geneva gear 40, making it possible to accommodate on-load tap changers with medium to large capacities. Furthermore, by combining a single Geneva gear 40 with thin, inexpensive plate-like components (the drive slider 60 and the slider guide 70), the tap selector 2 can be made thinner, and expensive parts such as the Geneva gear and Geneva support holder shown in the comparative example can be eliminated. Furthermore, improved assembly can reduce labor and improve quality. Additionally, according to this embodiment, parallel switching can be performed with a single Geneva gear 40, eliminating the need for two Geneva gears, thereby resolving the above-mentioned problems (1) to (5).

[0117] The first embodiment described above is an application example in which a 10-contact specification and a 12-contact specification are configured using a common base component. However, tap selectors vary from 10-contact specification to 18-contact specification. Therefore, by applying a sub-switching device, it is necessary to support tap numbers ranging from 9 taps to 35 taps. In the following embodiment, it will be explained that the technology of the present invention can support all variations from 10-contact specification to 18-contact specification (9 taps to 35 taps).

[0118] Next, a second embodiment will be described as an example of an 18-contact specification. In the second embodiment, a description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the 18-contact tap selector. Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a tap selector for 18 contacts of the second embodiment. Fig. 43 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the Geneva gear for 18 contacts of the second embodiment. Fig. 44 is an exploded perspective view of the Geneva gear for 18 contacts of the second embodiment. Fig. 45 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the slider guide for 18 contacts of the second embodiment. Fig. 46 is an exploded perspective view of the slider guide for 18 contacts of the second embodiment. Fig. 47 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the fixed contacts for 18 contacts of the second embodiment.

[0119] 42, the 18-contact tap selector 202 of the second embodiment has the same Geneva driver 30 (for both normal angle and double angle) as the first embodiment. The 18-contact tap selector 202 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the main fixed units 211A, 211B, the 18-contact Geneva gear 240, and the 18-contact slider guide 270.

[0120] As shown in Figure 43, the 18-contact Geneva gear 240 includes four first Geneva tops 241 and a gear base 242. The first Geneva tops 241 are provided at a portion of the rotational direction of the 18-contact Geneva gear 240. The gear base 242 has a Geneva top mounting portion 244 to which the first Geneva tops 241 are detachably mounted. Different types of Geneva tops can be attached to the Geneva top mounting portion 244 of one type of gear base 242. The gear base 242 is a common part that supports all variations from the 10-contact specification to the 18-contact specification.

[0121] As shown in Figure 44, the Geneva top mounting portion 244 is a recess provided in a portion of the circumferential direction of the gear base 242. When viewed from the axial direction, the Geneva top mounting portion 244 has a shape that follows the outline of the four first Geneva tops 241 connected together. When viewed from the axial direction, the Geneva top mounting portion 244 is formed in a C-shape. For example, the four first Geneva tops 241 are arranged in the Geneva top mounting portion 244 and fixed to the gear base 242 by fastening members such as bolts.

[0122] The gear base 242 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) Geneva grooves 243. The two Geneva grooves 243 are arranged along the outer periphery of the gear base 242 at an interval. The first Geneva top 241 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) top grooves 245. The four top grooves 245 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the first Geneva top 241. The four top grooves 245 are arranged at intervals of 20 degrees. Here, the interval between the top grooves 245 refers to the interval of the angle (central angle) formed between the center lines of two top grooves 245 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction when viewed from the axial direction.

[0123] 43, the 18-contact Geneva gear 240 has grooves 243, 245 of the same shape as each other when viewed in the axial direction. The grooves 243, 245 are recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the 18-contact Geneva gear 240. In the 18-contact Geneva gear 240, a total of 18 grooves 243, 245 are provided at the same division angle and at the same height position (vertical position).

[0124] Next, the slider guide 270 for 18 contacts corresponding to the Geneva gear 240 for 18 contacts will be described. As shown in FIG. 45, the 18-contact slider guide 270 includes four first guide pieces 271 and a guide base 272. The first guide pieces 271 are provided on a portion of the circumference of the 18-contact slider guide 270. The guide base 272 has a guide piece attachment portion 274 to which the first guide pieces 271 are detachably attached. Different types of guide pieces can be attached to the guide piece attachment portion 274 of one type of guide base 272. The guide base 272 is a common part that supports all variations from the 10-contact specification to the 18-contact specification.

[0125] 46, the guide piece attachment portion 274 is a recess provided in a portion of the circumferential direction of the guide base 272. A plurality of guide piece attachment portions 274 (four in this embodiment) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the guide base 272. When viewed from the axial direction, the guide piece attachment portion 274 has a shape that follows the outer shape of the first guide piece 271. For example, the first guide piece 271 is fixed to the guide base 272 by a fastening member such as a bolt while being placed in the guide piece attachment portion 274.

[0126] The guide base 272 has a slider drive groove 273 that is petal-shaped when viewed in the axial direction. The slider drive groove 273 is formed on the lower surface of the guide base 272. The slider drive groove 273 is disposed on the outer periphery of the guide base 272. The slider drive groove 273 curves continuously along the circumferential direction of the guide base 272 and is connected to a guide piece attachment portion 274.

[0127] 45, the first guide piece 271 has a piece side groove 275 (for normal angular drive) that continues to the slider drive groove 273. The piece side groove 275 (for normal angular drive) of the first guide piece 271 has a shape that curves radially outward when viewed from the axial direction.

[0128] Next, the 18-contact fixing units 211A and 211B corresponding to the 18-contact slider guide 270 will be described. As shown in FIG. 47 , the 18-contact fixing units 211A, 211B include a plurality of fixed contacts 230 and an annular fixing plate 231. In the 18-contact fixing units 211A, 211B, nine fixed contacts 230 are provided at intervals around the circumferential direction of the fixing plate 231. The fixing plate 231 has contact mounting portions 232 to which the fixed contacts 230 are detachably attached. The contact mounting portions 232 are recessed inward from the outer surface of the fixing plate 231 so that the fixed contacts 230 can be fitted from the outside. A plurality of contact mounting portions 232 (nine in this embodiment) are provided at intervals around the circumferential direction of the fixing plate 230. Some of the plurality of contact mounting portions 232 are provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece mounting portions 274. In the 18-contact specification, fixed contacts 230 are attached to all of the 18 contact mounting portions 232.

[0129] Next, a third embodiment will be described as an example of a 16-contact specification. In the third embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the above embodiments will be omitted. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the 16-contact tap selector. Fig. 48 is a perspective view of a tap selector for 16 contacts of the third embodiment. Fig. 49 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the Geneva gear for 16 contacts of the third embodiment. Fig. 50 is an exploded perspective view of the Geneva gear for 16 contacts of the third embodiment. Fig. 51 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the slider guide for 16 contacts of the third embodiment. Fig. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the slider guide for 16 contacts of the third embodiment. Fig. 53 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the fixed contacts for 16 contacts of the third embodiment.

[0130] 48, the 16-contact tap selector 302 of the third embodiment has the same Geneva driver 30 (for both normal angle and double angle) as the first embodiment. The 16-contact tap selector 302 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the 16-contact fixing units 311A, 311B, the 16-contact Geneva gear 340, and the 16-contact slider guide 370.

[0131] As shown in Figure 49, the 16-contact point Geneva gear 340 includes three first Geneva tops 241 (for normal angle drive), one second Geneva top 341 (for double angle drive), and a gear base 242. The first Geneva tops 241 and the second Geneva tops 341 are provided at a portion of the rotational direction of the 16-contact point Geneva gear 340. Geneva tops 241, 341 of different types can be attached to the Geneva top attachment portions 244 of one type of gear base 242. For example, the first Geneva tops 241 and the second Geneva tops 341 are fixed to the gear base 242 by fastening members such as bolts while being arranged in the corresponding Geneva top attachment portions 244.

[0132] 50, the second Geneva top 341 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) top grooves 345. The two top grooves 345 are arranged along the outer periphery of the second Geneva top 341 with an interval therebetween.

[0133] As shown in Figure 49, the 16-contact Geneva gear 340 has grooves 243, 245 for normal angle drive and a groove 345 for double angle drive. The grooves 243, 245, 345 are recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the 16-contact Geneva gear 340. A total of 16 grooves 243, 245, 345 are arranged in the 16-contact Geneva gear 340. In the 16-contact Geneva gear 340, two grooves 345 are provided at double the division angle of the grooves 243, 245 (a total of 14 grooves) formed in the gear base 242 and the first Geneva link 241. In the 16-contact Geneva gear 340, the two grooves 345 are provided at different height positions (vertical positions) relative to the 14 grooves 243, 245.

[0134] Next, a slider guide 370 for 16 contacts corresponding to the Geneva gear 340 for 16 contacts will be described. 51, the 16-contact slider guide 370 includes three first guide pieces 271, one second guide piece 371, and a guide base 272. The first guide piece 271 and the second guide piece 371 are provided on a portion of the circumference of the 16-contact slider guide 370. Different types of guide pieces 271, 371 can be attached to the guide piece attachment portions 274 of one type of guide base 272. For example, the first guide piece 271 and the second guide piece 371 are fixed to the guide base 272 with fastening members such as bolts while being arranged in the corresponding guide piece attachment portions 274.

[0135] 52, the second guide piece 371 has a piece side groove 375 (for double angle drive) that continues to the slider drive groove 273. The piece side groove 375 (for double angle drive) of the second guide piece 371 has a shape that curves radially inward when viewed from the axial direction.

[0136] Next, the 16-contact fixing units 311A and 311B corresponding to the 16-contact slider guide 370 will be described. 53, in the 16-contact fixing units 311A, 311B, eight fixed contacts 230 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixing plate 231. In the 16-contact specification, the fixed contacts 230 are not provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece attachment portions 274 to which the second guide piece 371 (for double angle drive) is attached. For example, in the 16-contact specification, the fixed contact 230 of the phase to which the second guide piece 371 is attached is removed from the contact attachment portion 232. In the 16-contact specification, the fixed contacts 230 are attached to 16 contact attachment portions 232 excluding the phase.

[0137] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described as an example of a 14-contact specification. In the fourth embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the above embodiments will be omitted. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the 14-contact tap selector. Fig. 54 is a perspective view of a tap selector for 14 contacts of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 55 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the Geneva gear for 14 contacts of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 56 is an exploded perspective view of the Geneva gear for 14 contacts of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 57 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the slider guide for 14 contacts of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 58 is an exploded perspective view of the slider guide for 14 contacts of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 59 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the fixed contacts for 14 contacts of the fourth embodiment.

[0138] 54, the 14-contact tap selector 402 of the fourth embodiment has the same Geneva driver 30 (for both normal angle and double angle) as the first embodiment. The 14-contact tap selector 402 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the 14-contact fixing units 411A, 411B, the 14-contact Geneva gear 440, and the 14-contact slider guide 470.

[0139] As shown in Figure 55, the 14-contact point Geneva gear 440 includes two first Geneva tops 241 (for normal angle drive), two second Geneva tops 341 (for double angle drive), and a gear base 242. The first Geneva tops 241 and the second Geneva tops 341 are provided at a portion of the rotational direction of the 14-contact point Geneva gear 440. Geneva tops 241, 341 of different types can be attached to the Geneva top attachment portions 244 of one type of gear base 242. For example, the first Geneva tops 241 and the second Geneva tops 341 are fixed to the gear base 242 by fastening members such as bolts while being arranged in the corresponding Geneva top attachment portions 244.

[0140] The 14-contact Geneva gear 440 has grooves 243, 245 for normal angle drive and a groove 345 for double angle drive. The grooves 243, 245, 345 are recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the 14-contact Geneva gear 440. A total of 14 grooves 243, 245, 345 are arranged in the 14-contact Geneva gear 440. In the 14-contact Geneva gear 440, four grooves 345 are provided at double the division angle of the grooves 243, 245 (a total of 10 grooves) formed in the gear base 242 and the first Geneva link 241. In the 14-contact Geneva gear 440, the four grooves 345 are provided at different height positions (vertical positions) relative to the 10 grooves 243, 245.

[0141] Next, a 14-contact slider guide 470 corresponding to the 14-contact Geneva gear 440 will be described. 57, the 14-contact slider guide 470 includes two first guide pieces 271, two second guide pieces 371, and a guide base 272. The first guide pieces 271 and the second guide pieces 371 are provided on a portion of the circumference of the 14-contact slider guide 470. Different types of guide pieces 271, 371 can be attached to the guide piece attachment portions 274 of one type of guide base 272. For example, the first guide pieces 271 and the second guide pieces 371 are fixed to the guide base 272 with fastening members such as bolts while being arranged in the corresponding guide piece attachment portions 274.

[0142] Next, the 14-contact fixing units 411A and 411B corresponding to the 14-contact slider guide 470 will be described. 59, in the 14-contact fixing units 411A, 411B, seven fixed contacts 230 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixing plate 231. In the 14-contact specification, the fixed contacts 230 are not provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece attachment portions 274 to which the second guide piece 371 (for double angle drive) is attached. For example, in the 14-contact specification, the fixed contact 230 of the phase to which the second guide piece 371 is attached is removed from the contact attachment portion 232. In the 14-contact specification, the fixed contacts 230 are attached to the 14 contact attachment portions 232 excluding the phase.

[0143] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described as an example of a 12-contact specification. In the fifth embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the above embodiments will be omitted. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the 12-contact tap selector. Fig. 60 is a perspective view of a tap selector for 12 contacts of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 61 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the Geneva gear for 12 contacts of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 62 is an exploded perspective view of the Geneva gear for 12 contacts of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 63 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the slider guide for 12 contacts of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 64 is an exploded perspective view of the slider guide for 12 contacts of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 65 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the fixed contacts for 12 contacts of the fifth embodiment.

[0144] 60, the 12-contact tap selector 502 of the fifth embodiment has the same Geneva driver 30 (for both normal angle and double angle) as the first embodiment. The 12-contact tap selector 502 of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the 12-contact fixing units 511A, 511B, the 12-contact Geneva gear 540, and the 12-contact slider guide 570.

[0145] As shown in Figure 61, the 12-contact Geneva gear 540 includes one first Geneva top 241 (for normal angle drive), three second Geneva tops 341 (for double angle drive), and a gear base 242. The first Geneva top 241 and the second Geneva top 341 are provided at a portion of the rotational direction of the 12-contact Geneva gear 540. Geneva tops 241, 341 of different types can be attached to the Geneva top attachment portion 244 of one type of gear base 242. For example, the first Geneva top 241 and the second Geneva top 341 are fixed to the gear base 242 by fastening members such as bolts while being arranged in the corresponding Geneva top attachment portion 244.

[0146] The 12-contact Geneva gear 540 has grooves 243, 245 for normal angle drive and a groove 345 for double angle drive. The grooves 243, 245, 345 are recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the 12-contact Geneva gear 540. A total of 12 grooves 243, 245, 345 are arranged in the 12-contact Geneva gear 540. In the 12-contact Geneva gear 540, six grooves 345 are provided at double the division angle of the grooves 243, 245 (total of six grooves) formed in the gear base 242 and the first Geneva link 241. In the 12-contact Geneva gear 540, the six grooves 345 are provided at different height positions (vertical positions) relative to the six grooves 243, 245.

[0147] Next, a 12-contact slider guide 570 corresponding to the 12-contact Geneva gear 540 will be described. 63, the 12-contact slider guide 570 includes one first guide piece 271, three second guide pieces 371, and a guide base 272. The first guide piece 271 and the second guide piece 371 are provided on a portion of the circumference of the 12-contact slider guide 570. Different types of guide pieces 271, 371 can be attached to the guide piece attachment portions 274 of one type of guide base 272. For example, the first guide piece 271 and the second guide piece 371 are fixed to the guide base 272 with fastening members such as bolts while being arranged in the corresponding guide piece attachment portions 274.

[0148] Next, the 12-contact fixing units 511A and 511B corresponding to the 12-contact slider guide 570 will be described. As shown in Fig. 65, in the 12-contact fixing units 511A, 511B, six fixed contacts 230 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixing plate 231. In the 12-contact specification, the fixed contacts 230 are not provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece attachment portions 274 to which the second guide piece 371 (for double angle drive) is attached. For example, in the 12-contact specification, the fixed contact 230 of the phase to which the second guide piece 371 is attached is removed from the contact attachment portion 232. In the 12-contact specification, the fixed contacts 230 are attached to the 12 contact attachment portions 232 excluding the phase.

[0149] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described as an example of a 10-contact specification. In the sixth embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the above embodiments will be omitted. The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the 10-contact tap selector. Fig. 66 is a perspective view of a tap selector for 10 contacts of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 67 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the Geneva gear for 10 contacts of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 68 is an exploded perspective view of the Geneva gear for 10 contacts of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 69 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the slider guide for 10 contacts of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 70 is an exploded perspective view of the slider guide for 10 contacts of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 71 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the fixed contact for 10 contacts of the sixth embodiment.

[0150] 66, the 10-contact tap selector 602 of the sixth embodiment has the same Geneva driver 30 (for both normal angle and double angle) as the first embodiment. The 10-contact tap selector 602 of the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the 10-contact fixing units 611A, 611B, the 10-contact Geneva gear 640, and the 10-contact slider guide 670.

[0151] As shown in Figure 67, the 10-contact Geneva gear 640 includes four second Geneva tops 341 (for double-angle drive) and a gear base 242. The second Geneva tops 341 are provided at a portion of the rotational direction of the 10-contact Geneva gear 640. Geneva tops of different types can be attached to the Geneva top attachment portions 244 of one type of gear base 242. For example, the four second Geneva tops 341 are fixed to the gear base 242 by fastening members such as bolts while being arranged in the Geneva top attachment portions 244.

[0152] The 10-contact Geneva gear 640 has a groove 243 for normal angle drive and a groove 345 for double angle drive. The grooves 243, 345 are recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the 10-contact Geneva gear 640. A total of 10 grooves 243, 345 are arranged in the 10-contact Geneva gear 640. In the 10-contact Geneva gear 640, eight grooves 345 are provided at double the division angle of the grooves 243 (total of two grooves) formed in the gear base 242. In the 10-contact Geneva gear 640, the eight grooves 345 are provided at different height positions (vertical positions) relative to the two grooves 243.

[0153] Next, a 10-contact slider guide 670 corresponding to the 10-contact Geneva gear 640 will be described. As shown in Figure 69, the 10-contact slider guide 670 includes four second guide pieces 371 and a guide base 272. The second guide pieces 371 are provided on a portion of the circumference of the 10-contact slider guide 670. Different types of guide pieces can be attached to the guide piece attachment portions 274 of one type of guide base 272. For example, the second guide pieces 371 are fixed to the guide base 272 with fastening members such as bolts while being placed in the guide piece attachment portions 274.

[0154] Next, the 10-contacts fixing units 611A and 611B corresponding to the 10-contacts slider guide 670 will be described. 71, in the 10-contact fixing units 611A, 611B, five fixed contacts 230 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixing plate 231. In the 10-contact specification, the fixed contacts 230 are not provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece attachment portions 274 to which the second guide piece 371 (for double angle drive) is attached. For example, in the 10-contact specification, the fixed contact 230 of the phase to which the second guide piece 371 is attached is removed from the contact attachment portion 232. In the 10-contact specification, the fixed contacts 230 are attached to the 10 contact attachment portions 232 excluding the phase.

[0155] As described above, in the second to sixth embodiments, the configurations of the main fixing unit, the Geneva gear, and the slider guide are compatible with all variations from the 10-contact specification to the 18-contact specification. Specifically, different types of Geneva tops 241, 341 can be attached to the Geneva top attachment portion 244 of one type of gear base 242. Therefore, even when the Geneva tops 241, 341 are attached to the Geneva top attachment portion 244 to accommodate the 10-contact specification to the 18-contact specification, a common gear base 242 can be used. In addition, different types of guide tops 271, 371 can be attached to the guide top attachment portion 274 of one type of guide base 272. Therefore, a common guide base 272 can be used even when the guide tops 271, 371 are attached to the guide top attachment portion 274 to accommodate the 10-contact specification to the 18-contact specification. Furthermore, some of the multiple contact mounting portions 232 are provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece mounting portions 274. Therefore, even when attaching or detaching the fixed contacts 230 to or from the contact mounting portions 232 to accommodate the 10-contact to 18-contact specifications, a common fixing plate 231 can be used. Therefore, even when adapting to the 10-contact to 18-contact specifications, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed. Also, by changing a limited number of small parts, all variations of the device from the 10-contact to the 18-contact specifications can be manufactured. This makes it possible to procure parts without reducing the quantity of each part. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the cost of parts, reduce labor hours by unifying the assembly process, and improve quality.

[0156] Next, a modification of the embodiment will be described. The reference member in the embodiment is a Geneva gear that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva driver. However, the reference member does not have to be a Geneva gear. For example, the reference member may be a rotating body that rotates when driven by a drive motor. For example, the reference member may be any member that can rotate around a reference axis. For example, the form of the reference member can be changed according to required specifications.

[0157] The slider guide in the embodiment is made of resin. However, the slider guide does not have to be made of resin. For example, the slider guide may be made of metal. For example, the slider guide may be made of a combination of resin and metal. For example, the configuration of the slider guide can be changed depending on the required specifications.

[0158] The drive slider in the embodiment is formed of sheet metal. However, the drive slider does not have to be formed of sheet metal. For example, the drive slider may be formed of resin. For example, the drive slider may be formed of a combination of resin and metal. For example, the form of the drive slider can be changed according to required specifications.

[0159] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the first and second drive members are alternately driven and stopped by a single Geneva gear, which makes it possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts even when dealing with a variable number of taps.

[0160] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 2...Tap selector, 30...Geneva driver, 40...Geneva gear, 40A...Geneva gear for 12 contacts, 40B...Geneva gear for 10 contacts, 41A...Geneva top for 12 contacts (Geneva top), 41B...Geneva top for 10 contacts (Geneva top), 44...Geneva top mounting portion, 50A...First driving member, 50B...Second driving member, 60...Driving slider, 70...Slider guide, 70A...Slider guide for 12 contacts, 70B...Slider for 10 contacts guide, 71A...12-contact guide piece (guide piece), 71B...10-contact guide piece (guide piece), 72...guide base, 74...guide piece mounting portion, 100...tap switching mechanism, 130...fixed contact, 131...fixed plate, 132...contact mounting portion, 140A...first moving contact, 140B...second moving contact, 141A...first driving support, 141B...second driving support, G...reference axis, J...rotation direction of Geneva gear (rotation direction of reference member)

Claims

1. a reference member that rotates around a reference axis; a first driving member that drives a first movable contact in conjunction with rotation of the reference member; a second driving member that drives the second movable contact in conjunction with the rotation of the reference member, The first driving member and the second driving member are a double angle drive that moves in a forward direction along the rotation direction of the reference member and moves by a predetermined multiple of the rotation angle of the reference member; and a stop drive that moves the reference member in a direction opposite to the forward direction to offset the rotation of the reference member. A tap changing mechanism of a tap selector, comprising: the reference member is a Geneva gear that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva driver, The tap changer mechanism includes: a drive slider slidably supported relative to the Geneva gear; a slider guide that engages with the drive slider and guides the movement of the drive slider in conjunction with the rotation of the Geneva gear, The first driving member and the second driving member are engaged with the driving slider, and alternately repeat the double-angle driving and the stop driving in conjunction with the movement of the driving slider. Tap change mechanism of tap selector.

2. The slider guide is made of resin.

2. A tap change mechanism for a tap selector according to claim 1.

3. The drive slider is made of sheet metal. A tap change mechanism for a tap selector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The tap changer mechanism includes: a first drive support pillar extending in a vertical direction along the reference axis and supporting the first movable contact; a second drive support pillar extending in the vertical direction and supporting the second movable contact, a pair of the first drive members are provided on the upper and lower parts of the first drive column; The second driving member is provided in pair at the upper and lower parts of the second driving support. A tap changer mechanism for a tap selector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first drive member and the second drive member are shaped so that one type of drive member can be installed on the upper part of the first drive column and the upper part of the second drive column, and on the lower part of the first drive column and the lower part of the second drive column, by turning one type of drive member upside down.

5. A tap change mechanism for a tap selector according to claim 4.

6. The Geneva gear is a Geneva top provided at a portion of the Geneva gear in the rotation direction; a gear base having a Geneva top mounting portion to which the Geneva top is detachably attached, The Geneva top of a different type can be attached to the Geneva top attachment portion of one type of gear base. A tap changer mechanism for a tap selector according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The slider guide comprises: a guide piece provided at a portion of the slider guide in the circumferential direction; a guide base having a guide piece mounting portion to which the guide piece is detachably mounted, The guide piece attachment portion of one type of guide base can be replaced with a guide piece of a different type.

7. A tap change mechanism for a tap selector according to claim 6.

8. The tap changer mechanism includes: A plurality of fixed contacts; an annular fixed plate having a contact mounting portion to which the fixed contact is detachably mounted, a plurality of the contact mounting portions are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixing plate, Some of the contact mounting portions are provided at positions corresponding to the guide piece mounting portions. A tap change mechanism for a tap selector according to claim 7.

Images