Motor operator with positive decoupling and maximum force application for electrical power switches

An electrical power switch and a motor operator in combination, comprising:

• a mechanical actuating linkage between the motor operator and the electrical power switch;
• an output member attachable to a switch operating mechanism;
• an electromechanical drive assembly coupled between the motor shaft and the output member, the electromechanical drive assembly including a first drive element continuously mechanically linked to, and subject to movement with, the motor shaft and a second drive element continuously mechanically linked with the output member;
• the first drive element having affixed thereto an electromechanical transducer including a movable part upon energization of the transducer, the movable part arranged on the first drive element to temporarily mechanically engage the second drive element, with transfer of motor force to the output member sufficient for the operation of the electrical power switch, during operation of the motor;
• the first and second drive elements and their temporary engagement of the movable part with the second drive element also being arranged to disengage from each other following motor operation and de-energization of the electromechanical transducer and retraction of the movable part from engagement with the second drive element to effect positive disengagement of the first and second drive elements;
• a manual operating member continuously linked with the mechanical actuating linkage and arranged to be accessible for manually operating the switch from ground level without turning the motor;
• and
• the manual operating member and a stationary part of the motor operator being accessible for manually locking together to allow power operation of the motor without movement of the mechanical actuating linkage.

An overhead electrical power switch and a motor operator in a combination installed together at an elevated location and comprising:

• a mechanical actuating linkage between the motor operator and one or more movable contacts of the switch at the elevated location;
• the motor operator including a motor, an output member joined with the mechanical actuating linkage, a drive assembly between the motor and the output member, and an operating member that extends to an exteriorly accessible position of the motor operator;
• the motor is one capable of being reversibly driven to operate the switch, through the drive assembly, the output member and the mechanical actuating linkage, from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position;
• the output member and the operating member being in a fixed relation for movement together;
• an electro-mechanical drive assembly coupled between the motor shaft and the output member, the electromechanical drive assembly including a first drive element continuously mechanically linked to, and subject to movement with, the motor shaft and a second drive element continuously mechanically linked with the output member;
• the first drive element having affixed thereto an electromechanical transducer including a movable part upon energization of the transducer, the movable part arranged on the first drive element to temporarily mechanically engage the second drive element, with transfer of motor force to the output member sufficient for electrical power switch operation, during operation of the motor;
• the first and second drive elements and their temporary engagement of the movable part with the second drive element also being arranged to disengage from each other following motor operation and de-energization of the electromechanical transducer and retraction of the movable part from engagement with the second drive element to effect positive disengagement of the first and second drive elements
• the drive assembly including, at least in part, means for transmitting switch operating force from the motor to the output member that results in a decoupled state of the motor and the output member following each switch operation, even absent any reversal of the motor and before any manual operation;
• and,
• the operating member comprises means for cooperating with an operating force means independent of the motor of the motor operator to operate the switch through the output member without operation of the motor of the motor operator.