Self-aligning actuator for door operation switch and method for operating a switch

Abstract

Actuating system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) for operating a switch (208), the actuating system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprising: a shaft (232, 450, 650, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) of a handle assembly, the shaft being adapted to be positioned in a plurality of positions, and comprising: a first shaft end portion for connection to a handle (112); and a second shaft end portion comprising a male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152); and a connecting body (529, 629, 829, 929, 1029, 1129) of a switch assembly, the connecting body being adapted to be placed in the plurality of positions, and comprising: a first connecting end portion for engaging the switch; and a second connecting end portion comprising a female connecting element (530, 630, 830, 930, 1030, 1130), wherein the female connecting element comprises a slotted portion (633, 833, 933, 1033, 1133) and a beveled end (831, 931, 1031, 1131), and the slotted portion is adapted to receive the male connecting element (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) of the second shaft end portion, the beveled end of the female connector aligns the shaft to a first position of the plurality of positions using the male connector when the shaft is connected to the connector body, the slotted portion receives and engages the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) when the shaft is connected to the connector body, the plurality of positions correspond to a plurality of switch positions, and where, when the shaft is connected to the connecting body: the slotted portion prevents the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) from becoming detached when the shaft and the connector body are in a second position of the plurality of positions, and the slotted portion is separated from the Plug-in connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) releases when the shaft and connector body are in the first position.

Description

Cross-Reference to Related ApplicationsUnder 35 U.S.C. § 119 the present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 426,438, filed December 22, 2010, entitled "Self-Aligning Actuator for Through Door Operated Disconnect Switch," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.Technical FieldThe present disclosure relates generally to actuating multiple structures of a device, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for actuating one or more structure / s of a device located within an explosion-proof enclosure using an operator panel located outside of the explosion-proof enclosure. US 2010 / 0 263 994 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,603 A describe actuating handles.BackgroundExplosion-proof receptacle and housing systems are used for a wide variety of industrial purposes. Such explosion-proof receptacle and enclosure systems may be used, for example, for military purposes, on board ships, in assembly facilities, power plants, oil refinery, petrochemical plants, and other harsh environments. Sometimes, the devices (e.g., frequency converter drives (VFD)) located within such explosion-proof receptacle and housing systems serve to control motors and other industrial devices. Other devices that act on a switch and / or use current may also be located inside the explosion-proof housing.It is sometimes possible that a user must actuate a switch located inside the explosion-proof enclosure to change an operating mode of one or more component / s inside the explosion-proof enclosure. A handle or button mechanically connected to the switch located within the explosion-proof enclosure may be located on an exterior surface (e.g., on the door) of the explosion-proof enclosure. In this case, the user can operate the handle or button to change the position of the switch without opening the explosion-proof case.SummaryGenerally, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to an actuation system for operating a switch. The actuation system may include a shaft of a handle assembly, wherein the shaft may be placed in a number of positions. The shaft may include a first shaft end portion for connection to a handle and a second shaft end portion including a male connector. The actuation system may further include a connection body of a switch assembly, wherein the connection body may be placed in the same number of positions. The connection body may include a first connection end portion that engages with the switch and a second connection end portion that includes a female connection member. The female connector includes a slotted portion and an angled end, the slotted portion receiving the male connector of the second shaft end portion. Further, the angled end of the female connector aligns the shaft at a first position using the male connector when the shaft is connected to the connector body. Further, the slotted portion receives and engages the male connector when the shaft is connected to the connector body. Moreover, the number of positions corresponds to a number of switch positions. Further, when the shaft is connected to the connecting body, the slotted portion prevents the male connector from loosening when the shaft and the connecting body are in a second position, and the slotted portion releases the male connector when the shaft and the connecting body are in the first position.In another aspect, the disclosure may generally relate to a function for actuating a switch. The method may include rotating a door connected to a housing body on an exterior surface of a door from a first position to a second position. The method may further include separating the door from the housing body after rotating the handle to the second position. The handle is connected to a shaft that includes a first shaft end portion for connecting to the handle and a second shaft end portion. Furthermore, the second shaft end section contains an insertion connecting element which can be aligned with a receiving connecting element of a first connecting end section of a connecting body. Further, the connection body includes a second connection end portion that engages with the switch. Further, the female coupling member includes a slotted portion and an angled end, the slotted portion being engageable and engageable with the male coupling member of the second shaft end portion when the shaft is coupled to the coupling body. Furthermore, the positions correspond to a number of switch positions. Further, the slotted portion prevents the male connector from loosening when the shaft and the connector body are in the first position. Further, the slotted portion releases the male connector when the shaft and the connector body are in the second position.These and other aspects, objects, features and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims.Brief Description of the DrawingsThe drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of a self-aligning actuator for door operator switches and are therefore not to be understood as limiting the scope of protection, as the invention permits other equally effective embodiments. The elements and structures shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, certain dimensions or positions may be emphasized to visually convey these principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate identical or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements. FIGS. 1 and 2 show explosion-proof enclosures in which one or more example embodiment / s of a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch may be implemented. FIGS. 3A and 3B show various examples of a handle and switch position indicator according to one or more example embodiment / s of a self-aligning actuator for the door operator switch. FIG. 4 shows an exploded side view of a handle assembly according to one or more example embodiment / s. FIG. 5 shows an exploded side view of a switch assembly according to one or more example embodiment / s. FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side view of an actuation system including a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch according to one or more example embodiment / s. FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating a switch using a self-aligning actuator for a door operating switch according to one or more example embodiment / s. FIGS. 8A through 8F show an example according to one or more example embodiment / s. FIGS. 9A through 9C show an example of a plug-in connector and receptacle connector construction according to one or more example embodiment / s. FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of a male connector and female connector construction according to one or more example embodiment / s. FIGS. 11A and 11B show an example of a plug-in connector and receptacle connector construction according to one or more example embodiment / s.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONExemplary embodiments of a self-aligning actuator for a door operating switch will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. To ensure consistency, like elements are identified with like reference numerals throughout the several figures.In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a self-aligning actuator for a door operating switch may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features are not described in detail to prevent the description from becoming unnecessarily complicated. Furthermore, certain terms (e.g., "upper / r", "lower / r", "lateral / r", "end", "inner / r", "within") are merely used to clarify aspects of a self-aligning actuator for a door-operating switch, and are not intended to limit embodiments of a self-aligning actuator for a door-operating switch.In general, example embodiments of an actuation system provide systems, apparatus, and methods for inserting a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch installed within an explosion-proof enclosure. That is, example embodiments of a self-aligning actuator for a door operation switch enable preventing a door of the explosion-proof enclosure from being opened when the switch is in a certain position, since the self-aligning actuator remains engaged until the position of the switch changes. The actuation system described herein includes a handle assembly (including a handle and a shaft) and a switch assembly (including a switch and a connection body).Although example embodiments are discussed below with reference to explosion-proof enclosures, other types of non-explosion-proof enclosures (e.g., junction boxes, control panels, lighting panels, motor control centers, switch cabinets, relay cabinets), or any other types of enclosures may be employed in connection with example embodiments of a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch.A user may be any person who interacts with the explosion-proof enclosure or devices controlled by one or more component / s of the explosion-proof enclosure. That is, a user can operate a switch handle (also referred to as a handle only) of a door operation switch to change a position of the switch located inside the explosion-proof housing. A handle can also be referred to below as an arm, an extended arm, a button or otherwise. A user may also, or alternatively, open and / or close a door of an explosion-proof enclosure. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, an engineer, an electrician, a technician for measurement and operation equipment, a mechanic, an operator, a consultant, a supplier, and a representative of a manufacturer.In one or more example embodiment / s, the switch located within the explosion-proof enclosure is configured to control one or more component / s. A component may be connected to and / or located within the explosion-proof enclosure. A component may be a VFD, a sensor, wiring, a terminal, a switch, a handle, a display light, a channel, and / or another element.In one or more example embodiment / s, an explosion-proof enclosure (also known as a band-proof enclosure) is an enclosure configured to resist explosion occurring within the enclosure. Further, the explosion-proof enclosure is configured to allow gases inside the enclosure to escape via joints of the enclosure and cool as the gases exit the explosion-proof enclosure. The joints are also known as flame paths (flame paths) and are located where two surfaces meet and form a path from the interior of the explosion-proof housing to the outside of the explosion-proof housing on which one or more gas / s can move / can move. At a joint, any two or more surfaces may meet. Each surface may be any type of surface, including, but not limited to, a planar surface, a threaded surface, and a notched surface.In one or more example embodiment / s, an explosion-proof enclosure is subject to certain standards and / or requirements. The NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) sets, for example, standards to which a housing must conform in order to be considered an explosion-proof housing. For example, NEMA Protection Class 7, Type 8, Type 9, and Type 10 enclosures provide standards to which an explosion-proof enclosure must conform at a hazardous location. For example, Protection Class 7 of the NEMA standard applies to enclosures designed for use within buildings at certain hazardous locations. Hazardous locations may be defined by one or more of a number of authorities, including, but not limited to, National Electric Code (e.g., Class 1, Division I) and Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL) (e.g., UL 698). For example, a hazard area according to Class 1 of the National Electric Code is an area in which flammable gases or vapors may be present in the air in an amount by which they explosively act.For example, NEMA standards for an explosion-proof enclosure of a / certain size / size range may require that, in a Group B, Division 1 range, each flame path of an explosion-proof enclosure must be at least 1 inch long (continuous and uninterrupted) and the gap between the surfaces must not be greater than 0.0015 inch. Standards promulgated and monitored by NEMA are found at www.nema.org / stds and are hereby incorporated by reference.FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an explosion-proof enclosure 100 in which one or more example embodiment / s of a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch may be implemented. In one or more example embodiment / s, one or more of the component / s shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be omitted, used multiple times, and / or replaced. Accordingly, example embodiments of an explosion-proof enclosure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of an explosion-proof enclosure 100 is shown in a closed position. The housing cover or door 102 is secured to the housing body 124 with a number of fasteners 118 located at a number of points around the edge of the housing door 102. In one or more example embodiment / s, a fastener 118 may be one or more of a number of fasteners, and may be a bolt (which may be connected to a bolt), a bolt (which may be connected to a nut), and a clamp. Further, one or more hinges / s 116 is / are attached to one side of the housing door 102 and to a corresponding side of the housing body 124 such that when all of the fasteners 118 are released, the housing door 102 can be pivoted outwardly (i.e., to an open position) from the housing body 124 via the one or more hinges 116. In one or more example embodiment / s, no hinges are present and the housing door 102 is separated from the housing body 124 when all fasteners 118 are released.The housing door 102 and the housing body 124 may be made of any suitable material, including metal (e.g., alloy, stainless steel), plastic, or other material, or any combination thereof. The housing door 102 and the housing body 124 may be made of the same material or different materials.In one or more example embodiment / s, at the end of the housing body 124 opposite the housing door 102, one or more mounting brackets 120 are / are attached to the exterior of the housing body 124 to enable mounting of the housing 100. With mounting brackets 120, the housing 100 may be attached to one or more of a number of surfaces and / or components, including, but not limited to, a wall, control cabinet, cement block, dual T-beam, and U-bracket.The housing door 102 may include one or more structure / s that enable / enable user interaction when the housing is sealed in the closed position. One or more indicator light / s (e.g., indicator light 1 106, indicator light 2 108) may / may be located on the housing door 102, as shown in FIG. 1. Each indicator light may serve to indicate a status of a structure or process associated with devices within the housing 100. For example, a display lamp may constantly illuminate green when a motor controlled by a VFD inside the housing 100 is operating. As another example, a display lamp may blink red when a problem occurs with a motor controlled by a VFD inside the housing 100 (e.g., open circuit, overheating of the VFD, occurrence of over current). As another example, a display lamp may constantly emit red light when an electromagnetic pulse caused by explosion inside the housing 100 is generated. An indicator light may be made of one or more material / s (e.g., glass, plastic) using one or more different light source / s (e.g., light emitting diode (LED), incandescent lamp).In one or more example embodiment / s, the housing door 102 may also include a handle 112 that allows a user to actuate a switch (not shown) located within the explosion-proof housing 100 when the explosion-proof housing 110 is closed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that handle 112 may be used for any type of switch. Each position (e.g., OFF, ON, HOLD, RESET) of the switch may be indicated by a switch position indicator 114 disposed adjacent the handle 112 on the exterior surface of the housing door 102. A switch connected to the handle 112 and the switch position indicator 114 may serve to electrically and / or mechanically isolate and / or change the operating state of one or more component / s located within or connected to the explosion-proof enclosure 100. For example, the handle 112 on the switch position indicator 114 may point to "OFF" when a circuit breaker located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 is opened. In this case, all the devices located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 and the devices (for example, a motor) controlled by the devices located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 may be de-energized.FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an explosion-proof enclosure 100 according to one or more embodiment / s in an open position. The explosion-proof enclosure 100 is in the open position because the enclosure cover or door (not shown) is not secured to the enclosure body 124. Hinges 116 attached to the left side of the housing body 124 are also attached to the left side of the housing door pivoted outwardly from the housing body 124. Since the explosion-proof enclosure 100 is in the open position, the components of the explosion-proof enclosure 100 are visible to a user.As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the housing body 124 includes two or more mounting brackets 120. Further, in one or more example embodiment / s, the housing body 124 includes a housing engagement surface 210 with which the housing door meets when the explosion-proof housing 100 is in the closed position. A number of fastener openings 220 are shown around the housing engagement surface 210, each of the fastener openings 220 being configured to receive a fastener 118 extending through the housing door 102, as described above with respect to FIG. 1. The number of fastener openings 220 may vary depending on one or more of a number of factors including, but not limited to, the size of the fastener openings 220, a standard that the explosion-proof enclosure 100 meets, and the type of fastener 118 that is deployed. The number of fastener openings 220 may be 0.In one or more example embodiment / s, the explosion-proof enclosure 100 of FIG. 2 includes a mounting plate 202 secured to the rear of the interior of the explosion-proof enclosure 100. The mounting plate 202 may be configured to receive one or more components such that the one or more components is / are secured to the mounting plate 202. The mounting plate 202 may include one or more opening / s configured to receive / receive securing devices that may serve to attach a component to the mounting plate 202. The mounting plate 202 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to the material of the housing body 124. In one or more example embodiment / s, some or all of the one / more component / s may be directly attached to an inner wall and not to the mounting plate 202.In one or more example embodiment / s, a VFD 206 is secured to the mounting plate 202 within the explosion-proof enclosure 100. The VFD 206 may include any components that serve to drive an engine and / or other device using variable control signals for controlled run-and-stop operations and / or other functions of the engine and / or other devices. Examples of components of a VFD include, but are not limited to, separate relays, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable logic relay (PLR), an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), and a distributed control system (DSC). In one or more example embodiment / s, the VFD may be replaced with one or more component / s of the VFD. For example, the VFD may be replaced with one or more PLCs, one or more PLRs, one or more UPSs, one or more DOSs, and / or other heat generating components.In one or more example embodiment / s, a switch 208 is secured to the mounting plate 202 within the explosion-proof enclosure 100. The switch 208 may be configured to electrically and / or mechanically isolate and / or change the mode of operation one or more component / s located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 and / or one or more component / s located outside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. The switch 208 may be any switch, including, but not limited to, a disconnect switch, a test switch, a reset switch, a display switch, and a relay switch. For example, the switch 208 may be a circuit breaker that serves to interrupt power supply to all components in the explosion-proof enclosure 100 and all devices that are external to the explosion-proof enclosure 100 and controlled by the components inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. The switch 208 may be, for another example, a bypass switch that serves to deactivate a protection system (e.g., a relay) or a particular other component or group of components located within the explosion-proof enclosure 100.The switch 208 may be further configured to receive, via mechanical and / or electrical devices, an instruction to change states (e.g., open, closed, held) from a component located on the housing door. For example, if the housing door includes a handle (as described above with reference to FIG. 1 ), a shift handle shaft (also referred to merely as a shaft) 232 may extend from the handle through the housing door toward a switch connection 230 of the switch 208. When explosion-proof enclosure 100 is in the closed position, shaft 232 is connected to switch connection (also referred to merely as connection) 230, and switch 208 may be actuated by operating the handle located outside of the explosion-proof enclosure, as described with reference to FIG. 1.In one or more example embodiment / s, one or more relays (e.g., relays 212) is / are secured to the mounting plate 202 within the explosion-proof enclosure 100. A relay 212 may be configured to control one or more function / s of one or more component / s located / located in or connected to the explosion-proof enclosure 100. That is, depending on whether or not a coil of the relay 212 is energized, a relay 212 may allow electrical current to flow to one or more component / s in the housing and / or interrupt current flow. For example, when the coil of relay 212 is energized, a contact on the relay may be closed to allow current to flow and a motor to be energized. The relay 212 may be activated based on a timing, current, voltage, or other suitable activation method, or a combination thereof. The relay 212 may also be configured to output a signal when a certain state has occurred. For example, the relay 212 may blink red to indicate that the VFD 206 is in an alarm state.In one or more example embodiment / s, wiring terminals 214 are attached to the mounting plate 202 inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. Wiring terminals 212 are a series of terminals, one terminal being electrically connected to at least one other terminal of the series of terminals while being electrically insulated from the remaining terminals of the series of terminals. That is, two or more terminals of the row of terminals serve as a connection point at which a plurality of wires can be electrically connected via the connected terminals.In one or more example embodiment / s, one entry hole / s 216 may pass through one or more side / s (e.g., a bottom) of the housing body 214. Each entry hole 216 may be configured to allow cables and / or conduits for power supply, control, and / or data transmission from outside the explosion-proof enclosure 112 to pass therethrough to one or more component / s inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. An entry hole 216 may be connected to a channel and connection from outside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 to protect the cables and / or wiring received via the entry hole 216 and help maintain the integrity of the explosion-proof enclosure 100 via the entry hole 216.FIGS. 3A and 3B show various examples of a handle assembly according to one or more example embodiment / s of a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch. In either case, the handle assemblies shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are mounted on the exterior of an explosion-proof enclosure. Each of these handle assemblies will be described below. Example embodiments of handle assemblies for a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch are not limited to the constructions shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and discussed below.FIG. 3A shows a front view of a handle assembly 302 attached to a surface 306 (e.g., a door) of an explosion-proof enclosure. The handle assembly 302 shown in FIG. 3A includes an elongated arm 316 that serves to rotate a pointer 316 about an axis attached to an attachment device 312. The elongated arm 316 (also referred to as a handle) may be connected to and aligned with the pointer 310, as shown in FIG. 3A. The pointer 310 points to two or more items located on the switch position indicator 304.In one or more example embodiment / s, the switch position indicator 304 remains stationary and attached to the explosion-proof enclosure surface 306 adjacent the pointer 310. The switch position indicator may include a number of labels, each label corresponding to a position of the switch. In the present example, the switch position indicator 304 includes two labels, i.e., "on" and "off", corresponding to "on" and "off" switching positions of a switch (not shown), respectively. In this case, the switch may be a circuit breaker.The range of motion of the elongated arm 316 (and thus the pointer 310) may be limited by a fuse 314. The fuse 314 may be disposed between the surface 306 and the elongate arm 316 / pointer 310 using the fastener 312. In the present example, the fuse 314 limits the range of motion of the elongated arm 316 to approximately 90°. The limits of the range of motion of the elongated arm 316 may correspond to the two positions (or the two end positions if there are more than two positions) of the respective switch located inside the explosion proof enclosure.FIG. 3B shows a front view of a handle assembly 322 attached to a surface 326 (e.g., a door) of an explosion-proof enclosure. The handle assembly 322 shown in FIG. 3B includes a button 334 (also commonly referred to as a handle) having a base 330 and a raised portion 336. The raised portion 336 of the knob 334 is configured to allow a user to rotate the knob 334 of the handle assembly 322. Raised portion 336 of button 334 includes a pointer 332 which points to two or more items listed on switch position indicator 324. The switch position indicator 324 remains stationary and attached to the face 306 of the explosion proof enclosure. In this example, the switch position indicator 324 includes two labels, i.e., "start / operation" and "stop.".The range of movement of the button 334 (and thus the pointer 332) in FIG. 3B may be limited as described above with respect to FIG. 3A. Although a fuse or similar component is not visible on explosion-proof enclosure surface 326, the range of movement of button 334 may be limited by a fuse located within socket 330 or connected to button 334 on explosion-proof enclosure surface 326. In this example, the range of movement of the button 334 is about 180°. The limits of the range of movement of the knob 334 may correspond to the two positions (or the two end positions if there are more than two positions) of the respective switch located within the explosion proof enclosure.In one or more example embodiment / s, a flame path (flame path) is formed where the handle assembly 322 (or components connected thereto) extends through an opening in the wall of the explosion-proof enclosure. For each handle assembly shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, materials (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, rubber, a composite material, glass fiber) are used for the various components (e.g., button, elongated arm, pointer, fuse) that are capable of maintaining the integrity of an explosion-proof enclosure while maintaining functional reliability for the task accomplished by that component. Further, in each handle assembly shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the handle assembly may be partially or fully bonded to the face and / or opening of the explosion-proof enclosure using one or more bonding methods including, but not limited to, bolting, welding, intermeshing threads, use of epoxy, brazing, press fitting, mechanical bonding, use of a flat bond, and use of a splined connection.FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a handle assembly 400 of a self-aligning actuator actuation system for a door operator switch according to one or more example embodiment / s. The handle arrangement 400 shown in FIG. 4 will be described below. Features, elements and / or components illustrated in FIG. 4, but not described and / or not labeled, are described and / or labeled above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Exemplary embodiments of a self-aligning actuator for a door operating switch are not limited to the constructions shown in FIG. 4 and explained below.A pointer 410, a fastener 412, a fuse 414 and an elongate arm 416 substantially similar to the control panel in Fig. 3 are shown in Fig. 4. Between the pointer 410 and the fuse 414, which is hidden when the handle assembly 400 is assembled, is a bearing 440 that extends through the large openings in the fuse 414, spring reset plate 424, spring 444 and the explosion proof enclosure door (not shown).One end of the handle shaft 450 is connected to a handle (in this case, the elongated arm 416) of the handle assembly. That is, one end of the handle shaft 450 is connected to the sealing device 446 and is received in the lower end of the bearing 440 to complete the handle assembly 400. The other end of the handle shaft 450 is connected to a male connector 452. The male connector 452 is configured to connect to a female connector (described below) of the switch assembly (described below).In one or more example embodiment / s, as the handle (in the present example, the elongated arm 416) is rotated about the axis formed with the fastener 412, the handle shaft 450, and more specifically, the male connector 452, rotates accordingly. When the handle assembly is connected to the switch assembly, the handle shaft 450 and the remainder of the handle assembly may move between two or more positions corresponding to positions of the switch (defined below), respectively.The handle shaft 450 of the handle assembly 400 may have any of a number of different constructions. That is, the male connector 450 may have any of a number of different constructions. Examples of the shape of the male connector 452 may include, but are not limited to, square, rounded, slotted, beveled, and planar. The handle shaft 450 including the male connector 452 may be made of one or more material / s (e.g., metal, plastic) that / s is / are capable of withstanding operating conditions (e.g., torque, temperature, pressure) that may prevail inside an explosion-proof housing when a shift position is changed using example embodiments.FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a switch assembly of an actuation system according to one or more example embodiment / s. The switch assembly 500 includes a connection body 529 including a female connector 530 and a switch shaft 531. In one or more example embodiment / s, the switch shaft 531 of the connection body 529 is inserted into the connection receptacle 534 to connect and engage the switch 532. One end of the female connector 530 may be configured to be connected to the male connector of the shaft of the handle assembly. The other end of the receptacle link 530 may include a shaft configured to be connected and engaged with the switch 532. The receptacle link 530 also rotates as the switch 532 moves from one position to another position.The female connector 530 may have any of a number of different constructions. That is, the female connector 530 may be configured to be complementary to the shape of the male connector of the shaft of the handle assembly. Examples of the shape of the female connector 530 may include, but are not limited to, square rounded, slotted, beveled, and planar. For example, the female connector 530 may have a slot and a beveled termination (upper lip) through which, when the shaft is connected to the connector body, a male connector will be aligned with the slotted portion of the female connector 530.The connection body 529 containing the receptacle connector 530 may be made of one or more material / s (e.g., metal, plastic) that / s is / are capable of withstanding the operating conditions (e.g., torque, temperature, pressure) that may prevail inside an explosion-proof enclosure when a switch position is changed using example embodiments.FIGS. 6A and 6B show a cross-sectional side view of an actuation system 600 including a self-aligning actuator for a door operator switch according to one or more example embodiment / s. The exemplary actuating element 600 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is described below. Structures illustrated but not described and / or not labeled in FIGS. 6A and 6B are described and / or labeled above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Example embodiments of an actuation system are not limited to the constructions shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B and discussed herein.Generally, the handle shaft 650 of the handle assembly extends through an opening in the door 607 (also referred to as a cover) of the housing. Further, the switch 632 and the connection body are disposed inside the housing, and the handle (in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the elongated arm 616) is located on the outer surface of the door 607 outside the housing. The actuation system 600 shown in FIG. 6A includes a handle assembly attached to the surface 606 of the door 607 outside of the explosion-proof enclosure. That is, the handle assembly includes a fastener 612, a fuse 614, and an elongated arm 616 substantially similar to the respective corresponding components described above with reference to FIG. 3A. The handle assembly further includes a bearing 640, a handle shaft 650, and a male connector 652 substantially similar to the corresponding components described above with reference to FIG. 4.The actuation system 600 further includes a switch assembly including a connection body 629 and a switch 632. The connection body 629 includes a female connection member 630 and a connection shaft 631 connected to the switch 632. The components of the switch arrangement in FIGS. 6A and 6B are substantially the same as the corresponding components described with reference to FIG. 5.When the door 607 is not closed, the switch 632 is in the "open" position. In one or more example embodiment / s, one or more safety structure / s (e.g., mechanical devices, electronic locking mechanisms) is / are integrated into the switch 632 so that the switch must be in the "open" position when the door 607 is not closed. For example, a torsion spring may be incorporated into the handle assembly to position the handle at a position substantially close to the "off" position (or other predetermined position). In this case, the torsion spring may be employed along with the self-aligning structure described above to reduce the amount of wear on the components of the handle assembly and the switch assembly as the door is closed more frequently (the handle assembly is aligned with the switch assembly).In FIG. 6A, the door 607 is hingedly connected to the housing body 660 via one or more hinges / s 690 located / located on one side (the side in the present example) of the housing body 660. The door 607 on the explosion-proof enclosure, as shown in FIG. 6A, stands slightly away from the explosion-proof enclosure body 660. In this case, the door 607 is being closed (i.e., connected to the explosion-proof case body 660). As a result, the handle shaft 650 (and in particular the plug-in connecting element 652) of the handle arrangement is connected to the connecting body 629 (and in particular the receptacle connecting element 630) of the switch arrangement. The receiving connecting element 630 in this case has a slotted portion 633, which substantially corresponds to the slotted portion 633 of the receiving connecting element described above with reference to FIG. 5. Here, the slotted portion 607 extends across the width of the receptacle connector 630 and extends over most of the length of the receptacle connector 630.As the male connector 625 in FIG. 6A approaches the female connector 630, the termination (top edge) of the female connector 630 aligns the male connector 652 (and thus the handle shaft 650 and the corresponding handle assembly) to the "open" position. Thus, as the door 607 is further closed, the male connector 652 is oriented to slide in the slotted portion 633 of the female connector 630 and toward the lower end thereof.As shown in FIG. 6B, when the housing body 660 is closed (connected) with the door 607, the fasteners 662 (e.g., bolts) connect the door 607 to the explosion-proof housing body 660. Further, the male connector 652 is positioned in the slit portion 633 of the female connector 630 and toward its lower end. In this case, when the handle assembly rotates, the switch 632 changes position due to the connection of the handle shaft 650 to the connecting body 629 (or, more specifically, the connection of the male connector 652 to the slotted portion 633 of the female connector 630). That is, the slit portion 633 of the female connector 603 receives and engages the male connector 652 when the handle shaft 650 is connected to the connecting body 629.In one or more embodiment / s, when the door 607 is closed, the axis of the handle assembly (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the shaft) is non-linear or parallel to the axis of the switch assembly (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle connector). In this case, when the elongated arm 616 is rotated (and thus the position of the handle shaft 650, the connector body 629 and the switch 632 is changed from the "open" position to another position), the non-linear orientation of the shaft and the connector body 629 causes the male connector 652 to remain firmly connected to the connector body 629. Further, or alternatively, the arcuate path that the door 607 describes when the door opens away from the housing body 660 due to the hinged connection between the door 607 and the housing body 660 on a side of the housing body 660 allows the male connector 652 to disengage from the connector body 629 when the male connector 652 and the connector body 629 are aligned in a particular position (e.g., when the switch is in the open position).That is, when the shaft is connected to the connecting body 629, the slotted portion 633 of the female connecting member 630 prevents the male connecting member 652 from coming off the slotted portion 633 when the handle shaft 650, the connecting body 629 and the switch are in a position other than the "open" position. Thus, the cover 607 of the housing cannot be opened (separated from the housing body 660) when the handle (elongate arm 616) is in the "closed" position. Likewise, in one or more example embodiment / s, when the handle shaft 650 is connected to the connector body 629, the slotted portion 633 of the female connector 630 allows the male connector 652 to disengage from the slotted portion 633 when the handle shaft 650, the connector body 629 and the switch 632 are in the "open" position.The male connector 652 and / or the connector 629 may include, in addition to or in place of one or more / more of the above-described structure / s, one or more structure / s that serve to prevent the male connector 652 from disengaging from the slotted portion 633 when the shaft, the connector and the switch 632 are in a position other than the "open" position and / or allow the single-corner connector 652 to disengage from the slotted portion 633 when the handle shaft 650, the connector 629 and the switch 632 are in the "open" position.For example, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C, the male connector may include a slot formed therein, and the female connector may further include a post extending perpendicularly therefrom. In this case, when the shaft is connected to the connection body, the pin may be positioned in the slot when the shaft, the connection body, and the switch are in the closed position, and the pin may be positioned outside the slot when the shaft, the connection body, and the switch are in the open position.As another example, the male connector may have a rectilinear slot formed therein, and the female connector may further include a protruding rectilinear component extending perpendicularly therefrom and conforming to the dimensions of the rectilinear slot of the male connector. In this case, when the shaft is connected to the connection body, the protruding rectilinear component may be positioned in the rectilinear slot when the shaft, the connection body, and the switch are in the closed position. Further, the protruding rectilinear component can be detached from the rectilinear slot when the shaft, the connection body, and the switch are in the open position.In one or more example embodiment / s, a flame path (e.g., flame path 692 in FIG. 6A ) is formed between the bearing 640 and the wall of the opening in the door 607. That is, the space between the bearing 640 and the wall of the opening in the door 607 is narrow enough to cool combustible gases as they exit from the interior of the explosion proof enclosure. Instead of or in addition to the flame path 692 discussed above, one or more other flame path / s may be present at other positions in and around the switch assembly.FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method for actuating a switch located within an explosion-proof enclosure, according to one or more example embodiment / s. Although the various steps are depicted and described sequentially in this flowchart, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some or all of the steps may be performed in different orders, combined, or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, in one or more of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, one or more of the steps described below may be omitted, repeated, and / or performed in a different order. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will appreciate that additional steps omitted in FIG. 7 may be incorporated in performing this method. Accordingly, the particular arrangement of steps shown in FIG. 7 should not be understood to limit the scope of the invention.In step 702, a cover is connected to a housing body. In one or more example embodiment / s, the cover includes a handle attached to an outer surface of the cover. The cover may be connected to the housing body using a plurality of fasteners extending through a plurality of fastener openings at an edge of the cover and an outer surface of the housing body. The cover may further be hingedly connected to the housing body via one or more hinge / s located / located on one side of the housing body. The handle may be part of a handle assembly further including a shaft having a first shaft end portion for connection to the handle and a second shaft end portion. The shaft may extend through an opening in the cover, wherein the switch and a connection body are located inside the housing body.The second shaft portion of the shaft may include a male connector aligned with a female connector of a first connection end portion of a connection body of a switch assembly. The connection body may include a second connection end portion for engaging with the switch. The female connector may include a slotted portion and a beveled termination.The beveled termination of the female connector can align the shaft to one of a number of positions using the male connector when the shaft is connected to the connector body. For example, when the cover is connected to the housing body, the plug-in connection element can come into contact with the beveled termination of the receptacle connection element. In this case, as the cover moves continuously closer to the housing body, the beveled termination rotates the male connector such that the male connector is aligned with the slotted portion of the female connector. The slotted portion of the female connector is adapted to receive and engage the male connector of the second shaft end portion after the chamfered termination is aligned with the shaft and when the shaft is connected to the connector body.In one or more example embodiment / s, the switch is in a position (e.g., an open position) when the cover is connected to the housing body. The handle may be in any position when the cover is connected to the housing body. When the cover is connected to the housing body, the handle is aligned with the corresponding position of the switch using the beveled termination of the female connector and the male connector.When the cover is connected to the case body, the position of the handle corresponds to the position of the switch. In one or more example embodiment / s, a switch position indicator may be attached to the outer surface of the cover adjacent the handle. The switch position indicator may include a number of indicia corresponding to the positions of the switch. When the cover is connected to the case body, the resulting case may be an explosion-proof case.In step 704, the handle is rotated from a second position to a first position. When the cover is connected to the housing body, the slotted portion may prevent the male connector from loosening when the shaft and the connector body (and thus also the switch) are in one or more predetermined position / s. In one or more embodiment / s, the first position of the handle corresponds to a closed position of the switch and the second position of the handle corresponds to an open position of the switch. For example, when the switch is rotated from an open position (a second position) to a closed position (a first position), the slotted portion prevents the male connector from loosening. The cover cannot be separated from the housing body when the handle is in the first position.In one or more example embodiment / s, the male connector may also include a slot formed therein. Furthermore, the female connector may include a pin extending perpendicularly therefrom. In this case, the pin may be positioned in the slot when the handle is in the first position. Further, the pin may be positioned outside of the slot when the handle is in the second position.In step 706, the handle is rotated from the first position to the second position. In one or more example embodiment / s, the slotted portion releases the male connector when the shaft and the connector body (and thus the switch as well) are in the second position. For example, if the second position of the switch is an open position, the slotted portion releases the male connector.In step 708, the cover is separated from the housing body. In one or more example embodiment / s, the cover separates from the housing body when the plurality of fasteners are removed from the plurality of apertures for the fasteners and when the handle is in the second position. In one or more example embodiment / s, the switch is a circuit breaker, wherein the positions of the switch include an open position and a closed position, and the labels on the switch position indicator include "on" and "off.". In this case, the first position corresponds to a closed position of the switch and a label of the on position of the switch on the display device, and the second position corresponds to an open position of the switch and a label of the off position of the switch on the display device.The following description (in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 7 ) describes some examples according to one or more example embodiment / s. The examples relate to an actuation system for actuating a switch located inside an explosion-proof housing. Terminology used in FIGS. 1-7 may be used in the example without further reference to FIGS. 1-7.Example 1Considering the following example shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F, an actuation system 800 according to one or more example embodiment / s described above is / are described. FIG. 8A shows a side view of a portion of a handle assembly and a switch assembly. That is, the portion of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F includes a handle shaft 850, and the handle shaft 850 includes a male connector 852. The portion of the switch assembly shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F includes a connection body 829 that includes a switch shaft 834 and a receptacle connector 830. The female connector 830 has a slit portion 833 (shown in FIG. 8E ) having a depth and a width. The slotted portion 833 extends from the upper end of the receptacle link 830 and extends across the width of the receptacle link 830. Furthermore, the upper end of the receptacle connector 830 includes an angled termination 831 (upper lip), which in the present case has a slight slope from the upper end of the receptacle connector 830 toward the lower end of the receptacle connector 830. As described above, the beveled termination 830 is configured to align the male connector 852 with the slotted portion 833 of the female connector 830 when the handle shaft 850 is connected to the female connector 830.The connection body 829 further includes a switch shaft 834 configured to be connected to and engaged with the switch. The switch shaft 834 is fixedly connected to the connecting body 829, such that when the connecting body 829 rotates along its vertical axis (as may be effected by rotating the handle (not shown) of the handle assembly when the handle shaft 850 is connected to the connecting body 829), the switch shaft also rotates along its vertical axis. As the switch shaft 834 rotates, the position of the switch (not shown) changes.The male connector 852 has a width shown in FIG. 8A. Handle shaft 850 (and particularly male connector 852) is not aligned with the slotted portion of female connector 830 as shown in FIG. 8A. For example, the switch of the switch assembly may be in the open position while the handle of the handle assembly may be in the closed position. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E, the vertical axis of the connecting body 829 is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the vertical axis of the handle shaft 850. One or more hinges / s (not shown) is / are located on one side of the housing body (not shown) and serve to articulate the door (not shown) to the housing body. In this example, the one or more hinges / s is / are each located on the left side of FIGS. 8A to 8E.In Figure 8B, the handle shaft 850 of the handle assembly is gradually connected to the connection body 829 of the switch assembly. Thereby, when the male connector 852 of the handle assembly contacts the beveled end 831 of the female connector 830, the bevel of the beveled end 830 causes the male connector 852 to rotate to the right. In one or more preferred embodiment / s, the male connector 852 includes a rounded bottom (as shown in FIG. 8B ) that helps to cause rotation of the male connector 852 when the rounded bottom of the male connector 852 contacts the beveled termination 831. The male connector 852 and / or the beveled termination 831 may / may have one or more of a number of other shapes that also cause / cause rotation of the male connector 852 to an appropriate orientation with respect to the slotted portion 833 when the male connector 852 contacts the beveled terminal 831. Thus, the beveled end 831 aligns the handle shaft 850 to a position corresponding to the position of the switch. For example, when the switch (and thus the connecting body 829) is in the open position and the handle (and thus the handle shaft 850) is in the closed position, when the handle shaft 850 of the handle assembly is connected to the connecting body 829 of the switch assembly, the chamfered termination 831 aligns the handle shaft 850 of the handle assembly to the open position by rotating the male connector 852.FIG. 8C shows, in a top view in the form of a section, how the handle shaft 850 of the handle arrangement is connected to the connecting body 829 of the switch arrangement. As such, the male connector 852 of the handle shaft 850 rotates counterclockwise along the beveled termination 831 into alignment with the slotted portion 833 of the female connector 830 when the handle shaft 850 of the handle assembly is connected to the connector body 829 of the switch assembly (moves downward in FIG. 8C ).FIG. 8D shows a side view of the handle shaft 850 (and more particularly the plug-in connector 852) of the handle assembly connected to the connector body 829 (and more particularly the slotted portion 833) of the switch assembly. That is, FIG. 8D shows the male connector 852 connected to the slotted portion 833 when the door of the housing is in the fully connected (closed) position to the housing body. The switch remains in the open position in FIG. 8D.FIG. 8E shows a side view of the handle shaft 850 (and more specifically the male connector 852) of the handle assembly connected to the connector body 829 (and more specifically the slotted portion 833) of the switch assembly. In this case, the position of the switch has been changed to the closed position, whereby the handle assembly and the switch assembly have rotated together by 90°.Because the one or more hinge / s that connect / connect the door of the housing to the housing body is / are positioned on the left side of the actuation system 800 and due to the orientation of the male connector 852 connected to the slotted portion 833 (one side of the female connector 830 and not the slotted portion 833 facing the hinge), the slotted portion 833 prevents the male connector 852 from loosening when the switch (and thus the handle shaft 850 and the connector body 829) is in the closed position. That is, when the switch (and corresponding components of the switch assembly and handle assembly) is in one or more position / s (e.g., the closed position), the male connector 852 forms one or more frictional paths (contacts) with the slotted portion 833 of the female connector 830. Thus, in these positions, the frictional paths (contacts) prevent the male connector 852 from disengaging the slotted portion 833 of the female connector 830. In this case, the sides of the female connector 830 that extend upwardly and form the slotted portion 833 act as a catch that prevents the male connector 852 from exiting the slotted portion 833 when the switch is in the closed position.As discussed above, the receptacle connector 830, the slotted portion 833, and / or the plug connector 852 may be provided with additional structures (e.g., a pin, a protruding rectilinear component, a slot) such that the slotted portion 833 of the receptacle connector 830 engages the plug connector 852 of the handle shaft 850 when the handle shaft 850 and the connector body 829 are in one or more predetermined position / s (e.g., when the switch is in a closed position) and such that the slotted portion 833 of the receptacle connector 830 is disengaged from the plug connector 852 of the handle shaft 850, when the handle shaft 850 and the connecting body 829 are in one or more certain other position / s (e.g., when the switch is in an open position).FIG. 8F shows a side view of the handle shaft 850 (and more specifically the male connector 852 of the handle assembly connected to the connector body 829 (and more specifically the slotted portion 833) of the switch assembly. In the present case, the position of the switch has been returned to the open position, so that the handle arrangement and the switch arrangement have rotated together to the position opposite to FIG. 8. Since the door is hingedly separated (opens) from the body of the handle, the vertical axis of the shaft assembly is no longer aligned (not parallel) with the vertical axis of the handle assembly.Because the hinge connecting the door of the housing to the housing body is positioned to the left of the actuation system 800 and due to the orientation of the male connector 852 connected to the slotted portion 833 (the hinge-facing opening of the slotted portion 833), as shown in FIG. 8F, the slotted portion 833 releases the male connector 852 when the switch (and thus the handle shaft 850 and the connector body 829) is in the open position. In this case, the sides of the female connector 830 that extend above and form the slotted portion 833 are not on the way of the male connector 852, and so the male connector 852 can freely leave the slotted portion 833 when the fasteners connecting the door to the case body are removed and when the switch is in the open position.Example 2Considering the following example shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, an actuation system 900 according to one or more embodiment / s as described above is / are described. FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a handle assembly 949 and a switch assembly 929. That is, the handle assembly 949 of FIG. 9A includes a handle shaft 950. The handle shaft 950 includes an insertion link 952 which is elongated and has a slot 954 formed between two fingers 953. Slot 954 is open at the lower end of male connector 952 and extends vertically upwardly where fingers 953 begin. The fingers 953 may have the same length or different lengths. The slot 954 is configured to receive a pin 936 of the receiving link 933 of the link body 930.The part of the switch assembly shown in FIG. 9A includes a connection body 930 and a switch shaft 934. The connecting body 930 includes a female connecting member 933 and a pin extending perpendicularly from an inner wall of the female connecting member 933. When the handle shaft 950 of the handle assembly 949 is connected to the connecting body 930 of the switch assembly 929, the post 936 of the female connector 933 is in the slot 954 of the male connector 952 when the handle shaft 950 and the connecting body 930 (and thus the switch) are in one or more position / s (e.g., the closed position). Further, when the handle shaft 950 and the connector body 930 (and thus the switch) are in one or more position / s (e.g., the open position), the post 936 of the female connector 933 is positioned outside the slot 954 of the male connector 952.FIG. 9B shows a side view (not in section) of the actuation system 900 shown in FIG. 9A. Thus, FIG. 9B shows the outside of the receptacle connector 933. Furthermore, it is shown that the pin 936 extends through the outside of the receptacle connection element 933. In one or more example embodiments, the pin 936 is connected to both sides of the receptacle link 933 and extends through the slotted portion (not shown in FIG. 9B). The beveled termination 931 of the receptacle connector 933 is also shown in FIG. 9B.FIG. 9C shows a front view of the actuation system 900. The fingers 953 of the male connector 952 are substantially the same length as shown. Further, the fingers 953 have a beveled termination that is complementary to the beveled termination 931 of the receptacle connector 933. In this case, the beveled termination of the fingers 953 of the male connector 952 and the beveled termination 931 of the female connector 933 cooperate to align the handle assembly 949 when the handle shaft 950 is connected to the connecting body 930.Example 3Considering the following example shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, an actuation system 1000 according to one or more example embodiment / s as described above is / are described. In FIGS. 10A and 10B, the switch assembly connection body 1029 includes a switch shaft 1034 and a receptacle connector 1030. These elements of the switch arrangement in FIGS. 10A and 10B are substantially the same as the corresponding elements of the switch arrangement as described above with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8F.A portion of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B includes a handle shaft 1050 including a male connector 1052. The male connector 1052 includes an elongated arm 1054 that protrudes from one or more side / s of the male connector 1052. The extended arm 1054 may be a separate member connected to the male connection member 1052. Alternatively, the extended arm 1054 and the male connector 1052 may be made of one piece. The height of each elongated arm 1054 may vary. In the present case, the height of the extended arm 1054 is about half the height of the male connector 1052. In one or more example embodiment / s, the combination of the male connector 1052 and the elongated arm 1054 is configured to be inside the female connector 1033 such that the position of the handle corresponds to the position of the switch.In FIG. 10A, the extended arm 1054 and / or the male connector 1052 come / come into contact with the chamfered termination 1031 of the female connector 1030. As the handle assembly moves toward the switch assembly (i.e., as the door of the housing closes), the beveling of the beveled termination 1031 aligns the combination of the extended arm 1054 and the male connector 1052 at a position corresponding to the position of the switch. FIG. 10B shows the extended arm 1054 and the male connector 1052 properly aligned and received in the female connector 1030 when the door of the housing is closed. In this case, shaft 1050 (as well as the remainder of the handle assembly) is at the position corresponding to the position of the switch (as well as the remainder of the switch assembly).Example 4Considering the following example shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, an actuation system 1100 according to one or more example embodiment / s as described above is / are described. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the switch assembly connection body 1129 includes a switch shaft 1134 and a receptacle connector 1130. The female connector 1130 includes a beveled termination 1131 and a slotted portion 1133. These elements (as described below, except for the slotted portion 1133) of the switch assembly in FIGS. 11A and 11B are substantially similar to the corresponding elements of the switch assembly described above with reference to FIGS. 8A through 8F.In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the slotted portion 1133 is a hole that passes through at least a part of the female connector 1130. The slotted portion 1133 may be, for example, a hole starting from an outside of the receptacle connector 1130 and ending at a point inside the receptacle connector 1130. The size of the slotted portion 1133 in FIGS. 11A and 11B may be configured to receive the male connector 1152 of the handle 1150. In this case, the male connector 1152 is a hook fixedly connected to the handle shaft 1150.As with all exemplary embodiments described herein, the male connector 1052 may be a separate component connected to the handle shaft 1150. In this case, the male connector 1052 may be connected to the handle shaft 1150 using one or more of a number of methods including, but not limited to, welding, using a fastener (e.g., a screw), and threaded connection. Alternatively, the male connector 1052 and the handle shaft 1150 may be made of one piece. In one or more example embodiment / s, the radius of the male connector 1152 in FIGS. 11A and 11B corresponds to the angle of rotation of the hinge connecting the door to the housing body.In FIG. 11A, the male connector 1152 comes into contact with the tapered termination 1131 of the female connector 1130. As the handle assembly moves toward the switch assembly (i.e., as the door of the housing closes), the tapering of the beveled termination 1131 aligns the male connector 1152 at a position corresponding to the position of the switch. Thus, when the handle assembly is properly aligned with the switch assembly, the male connector 1152 is properly positioned and engages the slotted portion 1133 of the female connector 1130.FIG. 11B shows the male connector 1152 properly aligned and received in the female connector 1130 when the door of the housing is closed. In this case, the shaft 1150 (as well as the remainder of the handle assembly) is in the position corresponding to the position of the switch (as well as the remainder of the switch assembly).One or more example embodiment / s provides / provide an actuation system. That is, the actuation system enables self-alignment of a handle assembly with a switch assembly when a door of a housing is closed, wherein closing the door causes the handle assembly to connect to the switch assembly. Components (e.g., handle, shaft) of the handle assembly may be at any one of a number of positions before the shaft of the handle assembly is connected to the connection body of the switch assembly. One or more example embodiment / s further enable mechanically connecting the handle assembly to the connection body of the switch assembly. That is, the male connector of the shaft is connected to the female connector of the connecting body.One or more example embodiment / s further facilitate releasing (or disconnecting) the male connector of the shaft from the female connector of the connector body when the switch (and thus the components of the handle assembly and the switch assembly) is in one or more of a number of disconnection positions. When the switch is not in the one or more of the number of disconnection positions, the male connector of the shaft remains connected to the female connector of the connector body. That is, if the switch is not in the one or more of the number of disconnect positions, the door of the closure cannot be opened (or the cover cannot be disconnected from the housing body) because the handle assembly remains connected to the switch assembly. This creates an additional safety structure by preventing a user from getting to powered components inside the housing.Although an actuation system for actuating a switch located inside an explosion-proof enclosure will be described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should appreciate that various modifications are possible within the scope of an actuation system for actuating a switch located inside an explosion-proof enclosure. From the foregoing, it will be seen that with an embodiment of an actuator for actuating a switch located within an explosion-proof enclosure, the limitations of the prior art are overcome. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an actuation system for actuating a switch located within an explosion-proof enclosure is not limited to a particular intended purpose, and that the exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrative and not limiting. From the description of the exemplary embodiment, equivalents of the components illustrated herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and ways to construct other embodiments of an actuation system for actuating a switch located within an explosion-proof enclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of an operating system for operating a switch inside an explosion-proof case is not limited thereby.

Claims

An actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) for operating a switch (208), the actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) comprising: a shaft (232, 450, 650, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) of a handle assembly, the shaft being configured to be placed in a plurality of positions and comprising: a first shaft end portion for connection to a handle (112); and a second shaft end portion comprising a male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152); and a connecting body (529, 629, 829, 929, 1029, 1129) of a switch assembly, the connecting body being adapted to be placed in the plurality of positions and comprising: a first connecting end portion for engaging the switch; and a second connecting end portion comprising a female connecting element (530, 630, 830, 930, 1030, 1130), the female connecting element comprising a slotted portion (633, 833, 933, 1033, 1133) and a chamfered termination (831, 931, 1031, 1131), and the slotted portion being adapted to receive the male connecting element (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) of the second shaft end portion, the tapered termination of the female connector aligns the shaft to a first position of the plurality of positions using the male connector when the shaft is connected to the connecting body, the slotted portion receives and engages the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) when the shaft is connected to the connecting body, the plurality of positions correspond to a plurality of switch positions, and wherein when the shaft is connected to the connecting body: the slotted portion prevents the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) from loosening when the shaft and the connecting body are in a second position of the plurality of positions, and the slotted portion prevents the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) when the shaft and the connecting body are in the first position.The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 1, wherein the first position corresponds to an open position of the switch (208) and the second position corresponds to a closed position of the switch.The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 1, wherein the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) includes a slot formed therein, the female connector further includes a post (936) extending perpendicularly therefrom, and when the shaft (232, 450, 650, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) is connected to the connector body (529, 629, 929, 1029, 1129), the post is positioned in the slot when the shaft and the connector body are in the second position and the post is positioned outside the slot when the shaft and the connector body are in the second position.The operating system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) according to claim 1, wherein the first connection end portion is connected to the switch (208).The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 1, wherein the shaft (232, 450, 650, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) extends through an opening in a door (102, 607) of a housing, the switch (208) and the connection body (529, 629, 829, 929, 1029, 1129) are positioned inside the housing, and the handle (112) is located outside the housing.The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 5, wherein the door (102, 607) of the housing cannot be separated from a housing body (124, 660) of the housing when the handle (112) is in the second position.The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 6, wherein the door (102, 607) of the housing is hingedly connected to the housing body (124, 660) at one side of the housing body.The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 5, further comprising a switch position indicator attached to an exterior surface of the door (102, 607) adjacent the handle (112), the switch position indicator comprising a plurality of indicia corresponding to the plurality of switch positions.The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 8, wherein the switch (208) is a circuit breaker, the plurality of switch positions include an open position and a closed position, and the plurality of labels on the switch position indicator include "on" and "off.".The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 5, wherein the housing is explosion-proof.The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of fasteners extending through a plurality of fastener openings at an edge of the door (102, 607), wherein the plurality of fasteners, when connected to the plurality of fastener openings, connect the door (102, 607) to the housing and prevent the door (102, 607) from separating from the housing, and the door (102, 607) separates from the housing when the plurality of fasteners are removed from the plurality of fastener openings and the handle (112) is in the first position.The actuation system (600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) of claim 1, wherein the shaft (232, 450, 650, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) and the connection body (529, 629, 829, 929, 1029, 1129) are non-parallel to each other.A method of operating a switch, the method comprising: rotating a handle attached to an outer surface of a door (102, 607) connected to a housing body (124, 660) from a first position of a plurality of positions to a second position of the plurality of positions; and after rotating the handle (112) to the second position, separating the door (102, 607) from the housing body, wherein the handle (112) is connected to a shaft (232, 450, 650, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) comprising a first shaft end portion for connecting to the handle (112) and a second shaft end portion, the second shaft end portion comprising a male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1150) configured to connect to the handle to the door to the door, aligning with a female connector of a first connector end portion of a connector body, the connector body (529, 629, 829, 929, 1029, 1129) comprising a second connector end portion for engaging the switch (208), the female connector comprising a slotted portion and an angled termination, and the slotted portion being configured to receive and engage the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) of the second shaft end portion when the shaft is connected to the connector body corresponding to a plurality of positions of a plurality of switch positions, the slotted portion preventing the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) from loosening, when the shaft and the connecting body are in the first position, and the slotted portion releases the male connecting member (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) when the shaft and the connecting body are in the second position.The method of claim 13, further comprising: prior to rotating the handle (112), connecting the door (102, 607) to the housing body; and rotating the handle (112) from the second position to the first position, wherein the chamfered termination of the receiving connector aligns the shaft (232, 450, 650, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) to the second position of the plurality of positions using the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) when the shaft is connected to the connector body (529, 629, 829, 929, 1029, 1129), and the slotted portion, after the chamfered termination aligns the shaft, receives the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152).The method of claim 13, wherein the first position of the handle (112) corresponds to a closed switch position and the second position of the handle (112) corresponds to an open switch position.The method of claim 13, wherein the male connector (452, 652, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) further comprises a slot formed therein, the female connector further comprises a post extending perpendicularly therefrom, the post being positioned in the slot when the handle (112) is in the first position, and the post also being positioned in the slot when the handle (112) is in the second position.The method of claim 13, wherein the shaft (232, 450, 650, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) extends through an opening in the door (102, 607), the switch and the connection body (529, 629, 829, 929, 1029, 1129) are positioned within the housing body, and the handle (112) is located outside the housing body on an exterior surface of the door (102, 607).The method of claim 17, wherein the door (102, 607) cannot be separated from the housing body (124, 660) when the handle (112) is in the first position.The method of claim 17, wherein a switch position indicator is mounted on the exterior surface of the door (102, 607) adjacent the handle (112), and the switch position indicator comprises a plurality of labels corresponding to the plurality of switch positions.The method of claim 19 wherein the switch is a circuit breaker, the plurality of switch positions comprise an open position and a closed position, and the plurality of labels on the switch position indicator comprise "on" and "off".The method of claim 13, wherein the door (102, 607) connected to the housing body (124, 660) provides an explosion-proof housing.The method of claim 21, wherein the door (102, 607) is connected to the housing body (124, 660) using a plurality of fasteners (662) that extend through a plurality of fastener openings (229) at an edge of the door (102, 607) and an outer surface of the housing body, the door (102, 607) is hingedly connected to the housing body (124, 660) using one or more hinges that is / are located on a side of the housing body, and the door (102, 607) separates from the housing body (124, 660) while being connected to the one or more hinges / s when the plurality of fasteners are removed from the plurality of fastener openings and the handle (112) is in the second position.

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