Solenoid-driven automatic transfer switch

摘要

A solenoid-driven automatic bus transfer switch may automatically transfer one or more electrical loads from a first power source to a second power source, or vice versa, in the event of a power failure or other casualty that affects either power source. The transfer switch may be operated in response to the energization of a solenoid coil, which causes a main shaft having a transfer element to rotate from being in contact with the first power source to being in contact with the second power source. The transfer element may be spring-mounted to the shaft, which ensures that a sufficient electrical contact exists between the surfaces of the transfer element and the respective leads of the first and second power sources, regardless of any wear or degradation that may be experienced at any of the surfaces.

主权项

1. An automatic bus transfer switch for providing three-phase alternating current power to a three-phase load, the switch comprising:
a normal source assembly comprising three normal source contacts, wherein each of the normal source contacts is adapted to receive alternating current power in one phase from a normal power source; an alternate source assembly comprising three alternate source contacts, wherein each of the alternate source contacts is adapted to receive alternating current power in one phase from an alternate power source; a rocker assembly comprising three rockers and a shaft defining an axis, wherein each of the three rockers is mounted to the shaft, wherein each of the rockers comprises a normal rocker contact and an alternate rocker contact, wherein the normal rocker contact is adapted to make contact with one of the normal source contacts, and wherein the alternate rocker contact is adapted to make contact with one of the alternate source contacts; a solenoid-actuated automatic operator assembly mechanically connected to the shaft, the solenoid-actuated operator comprising a solenoid having at least one solenoid coil, a solenoid plunger and a mechanical linkage fixed to the solenoid plunger, the mechanical linkage providing the mechanical connection to the main shaft, wherein the automatic operator is adapted to rotate the shaft between a normal position and an alternate position, wherein each of the normal rocker contacts is in electrical contact with one of the normal source contacts when the shaft is in the normal position, and wherein each of the alternate rocker contacts is in electrical contact with one of the alternate source contacts when the shaft is in the alternate position; a main gear mounted to a proximal end of the main shaft; an idler shaft having an inertial cam connected to the mechanical linkage of the solenoid-actuated operator; a first idler gear fixed to a distal end of the idler shaft, wherein the first idler gear is meshed with the main gear; a load assembly comprising three load contacts, wherein each of the load contacts is adapted to connect with one phase of the three-phase load; and three flexible conductors, wherein each of the flexible conductors provides an electrical connection between one of the rockers and one of the load contacts.