Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Multiple circuit control – Operating means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-30
2001-12-18
Scott, J. R. (Department: 2832)
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Multiple circuit control
Operating means
C200S329000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331684
ABSTRACT:
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to switches and, more particularly, to switching mechanisms for fusible and non-fusible switch assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Switches are usually mounted in an enclosure and incorporate an insulating base to carry an incoming line base for each phase. The circuit for each phase is completed through a pivotal knife blade which engages a corresponding contact to electrically connect the line current to the load. Switches can be fusible or non-fusible. In fusible switches the blade engages a contact which is electrically connected to a fuse clip having a fuse seated thereon. The fuse is then electrically connected to the load. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,302,643, and 5,777,283, commonly assigned to the Square D Company, disclose a fusible switch utilizing the abovementioned construction. The disclosures of such patents are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In non-fusible switches the blade engages a contact which is directly electrically connected to the load.
Switches, and particularly fusible switches, are used in switchboards to disconnect and distribute power for commercial and industrial applications. The need arises to distribute more power through enclosures which are the same size or smaller. This requires increasing the electrical rating of the switch to carry a higher voltage and current density while decreasing the size of the enclosure housing and mounting mechanism housing the electrical parts.
Among the problems caused by decreasing the space requirements of a switch is the additional components within the switch, including the components necessary for: mounting different types of fuses; hinging the blade; engaging the end of the blade; providing springing capability to the blade hinge, blade jaw, and fuse clip; mounting the line lug and load lug; connecting the fuse clips and blade jaws with the line lug and load lugs; connecting the line bases; mounting the rotor mechanism; providing a rotor cam stop; providing a switching mechanism housing; and, connecting the switching mechanism to the switch. Multiple parts and multiple connecting hardware has resulted in increased cost, increased inventory, increased assembly time and complexity of assembly, and has reduced the flexibility for field replacement of interior components and conversion from a fusible to non-fusible switch and vice-versa. Further, decreasing the space requirements of a switch has decreased the efficiency of the switching mechanism.
Accordingly, there is a need for an effective and efficient means for providing a switch assembly and switching mechanism. One of the requirements for such a switch and switch assembly includes that the part count must be reduced and made such that parts that were once unique to a single element, are now compatible with multiple elements and uses. This will reduce inventory, supply and assembly problems. Further, the switch assembly must be economical to manufacture, the switch must be capable of being assembled easier and faster to reduce cost, field assembly and retrofit must be simplified, and the switch must have more widespread application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The switch mechanism of the present invention provides a limited number of components for use with both a fusible and a non-fusible switching assembly. These components are easier to manufacture and assemble, and require less mounting hardware than prior switching mechanisms. As such, the present invention provides a switch mechanism that is less expensive, more efficient, and requires less inventory than prior switch mechanisms.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the switch mechanism module comprises a first housing member, a second housing member, and an operating mechanism. The first housing member has a substantially planar wall and an integral stop depending therefrom. The second housing member mates with the first housing member around the operating mechanism, and has a substantially planar wall and an integral leg depending therefrom. The operating mechanism has a cam adapted to rotate upon movement of a handle. The integral stop of the first housing member, however, stops movement of the cam in one direction, and the integral leg of the second housing member provides reinforcement for the stop.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the operating mechanism comprises a handle cam, an operator cam, a rotor cam, a bias spring, a mechanism shaft extending through an aperture in the handle cam and operator cam, and connecting to the rotor cam, a push rod pivot connected to the first housing member, the push rod pivot engaging a push rod, and an operator spring around the push rod. The handle cam and the operator cam are adapted to rotate about the shaft upon rotation of the handle. Rotation of the operator cam energizes the push rod causing an energized push rod to quickly accelerate the operator cam causing rotation of a rotor cam. The rotor cam is connected to the rotor of the switching assembly, causing movement of the blade thereof.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the handle cam and operator cam has an arcuate slot with opposing fingers at ends of the slot. One end of the bias spring engages the fingers at one end of the slot of the handle cam and operator cam, and the other end of the bias spring engages the fingers at the other end of the slot of the handle cam and operator cam to connect the two cams.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the rotor cam is adjacent the operator cam. The rotor cam has a first side and a second side. A hub extends from the second side of the rotor cam. The hub has a geometrically shaped indentation adapted to mate with a protrusion of a rotor of the switch.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
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Abroy Hamid S.
Greer David E.
Leppla John K.
Golden Larry I.
Scott J. R.
Shrout Larry T.
Square D Company
Stacey David R.
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