High voltage switch operating mechanism

Abstract

Disclosed is an improved high voltage switch operating mechanism which utilizes energy stored in a spiral spring to drive high voltage switches from either the open to the closed position or the closed to the open position. A spiral spring interconnects a rotatably mounted drive lever, which can be rotated to charge the sprial spring, and an output lever, which drives the switch either open or closed when the switch operating mechanism is tripped. A gearbox assembly reduces the torque required to charge the spiral spring when supplied either manually with a crank or electrically through a motor. The output lever is held in the switch-closed or the switch-opened position by improved first or second output lever latch assemblies, respectively, while the drive lever is rotated to charge the spring. Once the spiral spring is charged, first and second main latches engage the drive lever holding it in a spring charged position. The switch operating mechanism is tripped by releasing first or second output lever latch assemblies, which can be released manually by a single trip handle or by solenoids connected to control circuitry. When tripped, the spiral spring reacts against the output lever to either open or close the switch depending on the position of the switch at the initiation of the operation. After a switching operation is completed, the spring can be recharged for the next operation. Manual and electrical trip interlock assemblies are provided to prevent the switch operating mechanism from being tripped either manually or electrically while the spiral spring is being recharged either manually or electrically.