Operation mechanism for circuit breaker
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024128196
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-17
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-14
Smart Images
Figure 2025022862000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an operating mechanism for a circuit breaker, and in some particular instances, to an on / off push button operating mechanism for a circuit breaker. The operating mechanism facilitates retrofitting of the circuit breaker.
[0002] background Typically, the circuit breaker is located in a cabinet having a door. The cabinet may be a medium voltage switchgear (MVS) with a vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) partition door. A push button operating mechanism is coupled to or attached to the inside of the door. The operating mechanism facilitates user actuation of one or more operating buttons of the circuit breaker via separate user-engaged buttons located on the outside of the cabinet. Thus, the circuit breaker can be operated even when the cabinet door is closed.
[0003] When retrofitting a circuit breaker, it is desirable to use the same cabinet without changing or modifying the door, since changing the door design would increase the cost of the retrofit. In some cases, significant internal arc testing must be performed on the new door, further increasing costs. However, a challenge arises when the new circuit breaker has an operating button that is oriented differently than the operating button on the circuit breaker being replaced. The different orientation of the operating button results in a mismatch between the user engagement button / operating mechanism and the operating button on the new circuit breaker.
[0004] It would be desirable to facilitate the retrofitting of such circuit breakers.
[0005] Summary of the Invention An operating mechanism according to one aspect of the invention is defined in the accompanying claim 1. The operating mechanism is described herein. A system comprising the operating mechanism is also described.
[0006] Disclosed herein is an operating mechanism for a circuit breaker having two operating buttons. The operating mechanism includes a frame configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation and a means for rotating the frame about the first axis of rotation from a first position to a second position in response to a first user actuation. The operating mechanism further includes two operating components each having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the two operating components are offset from one another in a first direction, and the second ends of the two operating components are offset from one another in a second direction. Each operating component is configured to be moved in a third direction in response to a second user actuation at the first end, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction being different from one another. The operating mechanism also includes two extension rods carried within the frame. In use, the operating mechanism is configured such that when the frame is in the first position, the second ends of the two operating components actuate the operating button of the circuit breaker in response to a second user actuation, and when the frame is in the second position, the two extension rods align with the second ends of the two operating components and the two extension rods actuate the operating button of the circuit breaker in response to a second user actuation.
[0007] In this way, an operating mechanism can be provided that addresses the issue of mismatch between operating buttons when retrofitting a circuit breaker without modifying the door or cabinet or modifying the circuit breaker, thus facilitating faster and less expensive retrofitting.
[0008] Optionally, when the frame is in the second position, the two extension rods extend parallel to a third direction. Optionally, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to one another. Optionally, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are substantially perpendicular to one another.
[0009] In some examples, the first direction is horizontal and the first ends of the two actuating components are disposed side-by-side along the horizontal direction. Additionally or alternatively, the second direction is vertical and the second ends of the two actuating components are disposed above and below one another along the vertical direction. In this manner, a mismatch between a horizontally oriented user engagement button on a cabinet and a vertically oriented operating button on a retrofitted circuit breaker can be resolved without modifying the cabinet or the circuit breaker.
[0010] Optionally, the operating mechanism further comprises one or more resilient members configured to bias the frame to rotate about the first axis of rotation away from the second position toward the first position. In the absence of user engagement or actuation to rotate the frame, the frame can thus return to the first position. The first position can be a default or rest position. In some examples, the first position is a test position of the circuit breaker and the second position is a service position of the circuit breaker. Thus, the operating mechanism can return to the test position without user actuation.
[0011] In some examples, the means for rotating the frame comprises a rotatable portion configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation in response to actuation by a user. The second axis of rotation may be different from the first axis of rotation. Optionally, the first axis of rotation extends parallel to the second direction. Optionally, the second axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. Optionally, the second axis of rotation is parallel to a third direction.
[0012] The means for rotating the frame may further comprise a connection portion pivotally coupling the rotatable portion to the frame, the connection portion being configured such that rotation of the rotatable portion about the second axis of rotation causes rotation of the frame about the first axis of rotation. Optionally, the connection portion is pivotally coupled to the rotatable portion and rigidly coupled to the frame. In some examples, the frame is rigidly coupled to one or more pins of the manipulation mechanism, the one or more pins being rotatable about the first axis of rotation, in which example the connection portion may be pivotally coupled to the rotatable portion and rigidly coupled to the one or more pins.
[0013] Optionally, the connecting portion is a rigid rod or other rigid component. Alternatively, the connecting portion is a flexible wire or cable.
[0014] In one example, each actuation component comprises a Z-shaped rod. Each Z-shaped rod may comprise a central portion inclined relative to a first direction and a second direction and two end portions, the two end portions forming the first end and the second end of the actuation component. In some embodiments, the two end portions extend in opposite directions from the central portion and each extend parallel to a third direction.
[0015] In another example, each actuation component includes a strip angled relative to a first direction and a second direction and a stud. The stud may be rigidly coupled to the strip. The stud forms a second end of the actuation component. In some embodiments, the stud extends away from the strip in a direction parallel to a third direction.
[0016] Optionally, the two extension rods are made of an insulating material. In some examples, the insulating material is a plastic material. The use of insulating material can improve the safety and reliability of the system when the operating mechanism is deployed or placed in the cabinet during use.
[0017] In some embodiments, the operating mechanism further comprises one or more guides for each actuating component. In one example, the one or more guides comprise a plate having a slot configured to receive the second end of the actuating component. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more guides comprise one or more guide pins each configured to be received by a corresponding opening in the actuating component. The one or more guides can act to maintain the actuating components in the correct orientation and position to actuate the operating button of the circuit breaker. Thus, a robust and reliable operating mechanism can be provided.
[0018] A system including an operating mechanism is also disclosed. The system also includes a cabinet having a door, an interior side of the door partially defining a cavity within the cabinet. An exterior side of the door has two user-engaged buttons offset from one another along a first direction and a knob. The system further includes a circuit breaker disposed within the cavity of the cabinet and having two operating buttons offset from one another along a second direction. The operating mechanism is coupled to the interior side of the door such that first ends of two actuation components engage the two user-engaged buttons and the knob is coupled to a means for rotating the frame. A first user actuation of the knob causes the frame to rotate about a first axis of rotation and a second user actuation of the two user-engaged buttons causes corresponding actuation of the two operating buttons by the operating mechanism. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0019] Reference is now made to the following figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like features: [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a circuit breaker and operating mechanism showing the mismatch between a user-engaged button on the outside of the cabinet (not shown) and the operating button of a circuit breaker with an existing operating mechanism within the cabinet. [Figure 1B]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a circuit breaker with an operating mechanism as described herein. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an operating mechanism described herein in a first position. [Figure 2B] 2B shows cross-sections of the operating mechanism of FIG. 2A at different positions along a third direction. [Figure 3A] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an operating mechanism described herein in a second position. [Figure 3B] 3B shows cross-sections of the operating mechanism of FIG. 3A at different positions along a third direction. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first exemplary operating mechanism in a first position. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a rear view of the first exemplary operating mechanism of FIG. 4A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of an actuation component. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the means for rotating the frame. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a front view of a second exemplary operating mechanism in a first position. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a rear view of the second exemplary operating mechanism of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an actuation component. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the means for rotating the frame. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a system.
[0020] Detailed Description of the Invention 1A, a perspective view of a circuit breaker 150 and an existing operating mechanism 100' is shown. The circuit breaker 150 is disposed within a cavity of a cabinet (not shown). The cabinet includes a door (not shown). The operating mechanism 100' is coupled to an inside of the door between the door and the circuit breaker 150.
[0021] The circuit breaker includes two operating buttons 152a, 152b. The operating buttons are operated by actuation. Typically, the operating buttons 152a, 152b of the circuit breaker are actuated by user actuation applied to user engagement buttons 154a, 154b. These user engagement buttons are located on the outside of the door. The user actuation may be herein a pressing of the button, i.e., application of a force along the direction 106. The operating mechanism 100' acts to transfer a force applied by a user to the user engagement button 154 (which is a push button, and the force is applied by the user along the direction 106) to the operating button 152 of the circuit breaker 150. However, as in FIG. 1A, a challenge arises when the orientation of the operating button of the circuit breaker is different from the orientation of the user engagement button. This difference in orientation results in a mismatch between the user engagement button 154 on the outside of the cabinet (not shown) and the operating button 152 of the circuit breaker 150 inside the cabinet. Such inconsistencies may arise, for example, when a new circuit breaker is retrofitted to replace an older version or a version from a different supplier or manufacturer.
[0022] In particular, it can be seen that the user engagement buttons 154 are offset from one another along a first direction 102 (herein horizontally), while the operating buttons 152 are offset from one another along a second direction 104 (herein vertically). As a result, the operating mechanism 100' configured to be actuated by the user engagement buttons is not aligned with the operating buttons 152 of the circuit breaker.
[0023] One solution would be to change the user engagement buttons to match the orientation of the operating buttons, but this would require modification of the door, which would increase retrofit costs. Furthermore, such a change would require retraining of the operator, since the operating interface would be different. Also, in some cases, existing cabinet doors have transparent windows in the door area, which would make it difficult to provide new holes or to modify the existing door. It is therefore desirable to provide an operating mechanism that resolves this inconsistency without modifying the user engagement buttons 154 or the operator interface, and without modifying any other aspects of the door itself. Such an operating mechanism 100 is shown in FIG. 1B.
[0024] From FIG. 1B, it can be seen that the operating mechanism 100 allows the use of existing user-engaged buttons 154a, 154b to operate the operating buttons 152a, 152b of the circuit breaker 150. The operating mechanism includes an operating component having a first end offset from one another in a first direction 102 and a second end offset from one another in a second direction 104. In this way, orientation mismatches can be resolved. The operating mechanism 100 can replace the operating mechanism 100' of FIG. 1A without modifying the door or cabinet and without modifying the circuit breaker. Thus, the use of the operating mechanism 100 described herein facilitates faster and less expensive retrofitting. Moreover, such retrofitting can help reduce or avoid the risk of internal arcing due to cabinet door modifications.
[0025] The operating mechanism 100 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B. Figures 2A and 3A are schematic cross-sectional views taken from a first position along the direction 106, and Figures 2B and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views taken from a second position along the direction 106.
[0026] The operating mechanism 100 includes a frame 208. The frame 208 is configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation 210. The frame 208 rotates from a first position (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) to a second position (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In the first position, the frame extends along a direction 102 (hereinafter, the first direction 102 or horizontal direction), and in the second position, the frame extends along a direction 106 (hereinafter, the third direction 106). The frame rotates about the first axis of rotation 210, which in this example extends parallel to a direction 104 (hereinafter, the second direction 104 or vertical direction). In this example, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other, but it should be understood that other arrangements are possible.
[0027] In some instances, the first position is a test position for the circuit breaker and the second position is a service position for the circuit breaker. Rotation of the frame 208 from the first position to the second position is required because the circuit breaker 150 is configured to return to the direction 106 within the cabinet during service. This movement of the circuit breaker increases the distance between the circuit breaker and the door, so the operating mechanism is configured to rotate to allow actuation of the circuit breaker in the service position. This movement of the circuit breaker is known to those skilled in the art and occurs in existing operating mechanisms 100' and will not be described further herein.
[0028] Rotation of the frame 208 occurs in response to a first user actuation of a means for rotating the frame (not shown here, but described further with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 7A and 7B). The means for rotating the frame may be actuated by a knob 156 (shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b), which is also coupled to or located on the outside of the cabinet housing the circuit breaker 150. One or more resilient members or other biasing means may also be provided (not shown). The resilient member(s) may be configured to bias the frame 208 to rotate about the first axis of rotation 210 away from the second position toward the first position. Thus, when the user releases the knob 156 or otherwise ceases to apply a force to rotate the frame 208, the frame is biased back toward the first position. This allows the circuit breaker 150 to be moved back to the test position after servicing without the frame 208 being in the second position to impede such movement. The resilient member(s) can be resilient by shape and / or material. In some examples, the resilient member can comprise one or more torsion or extension springs (or compression springs, depending on the arrangement and location of the springs). In other examples, the resilient member can be resilient by material, for example, a resilient or rubber member arranged to bias the frame towards the first position.
[0029] The operating mechanism further comprises two actuating components (reference numeral 200, not shown here but further described with reference to Figs. 4A, 4B, 7A and 7B). Each actuating component comprises a first end 212a, 212b and a second end 214a, 214b. The first ends 212a, 212b of the two actuating components are configured to engage with the two user engagement buttons 154a, 154b. The first ends are shown in Figs. 2A, 3A. The second ends 214a, 214b are configured to cause actuation of the operating buttons 152a, 152b of the circuit breaker 150. The second ends are shown in Figs. 2B, 3B. It can be seen that the first ends of the two actuating components are offset from one another in a first direction 102, and the second ends of the two actuating components are offset from one another in a second direction 104. In other words, in this example, the first ends 212 of the two actuating components are positioned side by side along the horizontal direction 102, and the second ends 214 of the two actuating components are positioned above one another along the vertical direction 104. In other examples, the first ends may be positioned along the vertical direction and the second ends may be positioned along the horizontal direction, depending on the configuration of the cabinet and the circuit breaker. Any suitable arrangement or configuration of actuating components can be used, providing that the first ends and second ends are offset along different directions / axes to address mismatch between the cabinet button and the circuit breaker button in the described manner.
[0030] In use, the operating mechanism 100 is configured such that, when the frame is in the first position, the second ends 214a, 214b of the two actuation components actuate the actuation buttons 152a, 152b of the circuit breaker 150 in response to user actuation of the engagement buttons 154a, 154b. In particular, each actuation component is configured to move in the third direction 106 in response to user actuation at the first end via the engagement button. The user actuation may be depressing the engagement button or applying any other force that produces a force component along the third direction 106 to move the actuation component in the direction 106.
[0031] The operating mechanism 100 further comprises two extension rods 216a, 216b, which are maintained in or held by the frame 208. The frame may comprise holes or openings through which the extension rods extend and through which the extension rods can move in a linear direction. As the extension rods 216 are (movably) maintained in / held by the frame, they rotate together with the frame about the first axis of rotation 210. Thus, when the frame is in the second position, the two extension rods are aligned with the second ends 214 of the two actuating components, and the two extension rods actuate the operating buttons 152a, 152b of the circuit breaker 150 in response to user actuation. Thus, the extension rods 216a, 216b enable actuation of the actuating button 152 of the circuit breaker 150 in the second (service) position, i.e., by extending the actuation of the actuating components in a third direction through the frame. In this particular example, the extension rods are straight and extend parallel to the third direction, although other configurations are possible. Thus, the extension rods can move (through holes / openings) in the third direction relative to the frame. The extension rods can be made of an insulating material. Optionally, the extension rods are made of a plastic material.
[0032] A simple and reliable operating mechanism can be provided that facilitates retrofitting of circuit breakers having different button orientations. An exemplary arrangement of operating mechanism 100 will now be described in more detail.
[0033] A first example of the operating mechanism 100 is described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. The operating mechanism includes a frame 208, which is optionally rigidly coupled to one or more pins 426. The one or more pins extend along a first axis of rotation 210. There may be a single pin extending along the first axis of rotation 210, or there may be multiple pins, and in some specific examples, there are two pins, one at the top of the frame and one at the bottom of the frame. The frame may be rigidly coupled to the pin(s) 426, which are rotatable about the first axis of rotation 210. In other examples, the frame may be rotatably coupled to the pin(s), which themselves may be rigidly coupled to, for example, a cabinet door or other fixed component, and the pin(s) 426 may thus form the first axis of rotation 210.
[0034] As described above, the operating mechanism includes a means for rotating the frame about the first axis of rotation 210. The means for rotating the frame includes a rotatable portion 420 and a connecting portion 422. The rotatable portion 420 is configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation 424 in response to a user actuation (e.g., in response to a user rotating the knob 156 about the second axis of rotation 424). The second axis of rotation 424 is different from the first axis of rotation 210. Optionally, as shown herein, the second axis of rotation 424 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 210 and parallel to the third direction, although other configurations are possible.
[0035] The connecting portion 422 pivotally couples the rotatable portion 420 to the frame 208 such that rotation of the rotatable portion 420 about the second axis of rotation 424 causes rotation of the frame 208 about the first axis of rotation 210. In this example, the connecting portion is pivotally coupled to the rotatable portion and rigidly coupled (directly or indirectly) to the frame 208 to facilitate rotation of the frame 208 in response to rotation of the rotatable portion. Specifically, in the arrangement shown in Figures 4A and 4B, both the frame 208 and the connecting portion 422 are rigidly coupled to one of the bottoms of the pin(s) 426. However, any other suitable arrangement may be used to cause rotation of the frame 208 about the first axis of rotation.
[0036] 6, the connecting portion is a rigid rod 422. The connecting portion 422 includes a pin 670 or other coupling component configured to rigidly couple the rigid rod to the bottom pin 426 (or frame). The rigid rod 422 can also include a portion that passes through a hole or opening in the rotatable portion 420, which is sized to allow the rigid rod 422 to pivot or rotate within the hole. In other examples, the cable 750 can be pivotally coupled to the rotatable portion 420 in other manners.
[0037] As mentioned above, the operating mechanism of Figures 4A and 4B also includes two actuation components 200. The actuation components are configured such that first ends 212 are offset along a first direction, the horizontal direction, and second ends 214 are offset along a second direction, the vertical direction.
[0038] With particular reference to FIG. 5, each actuation component 200 comprises a Z-shaped rod. Each Z-shaped rod comprises a central portion 430. The central portion may be angled relative to a first direction and a second direction to facilitate a transition between the orientation of the first end 212 and the orientation of the second end 214. In some arrangements, the central portion may lie in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction. In other arrangements, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the central portion 430 of each actuation component may be angled relative to each of the first direction 102, the second direction 104, and the third direction 106, respectively. Each Z-shaped rod also comprises two end portions 532, 534. The two end portions extend in opposite directions from the central portion, and each end portion extends parallel to the third direction. The Z-shaped rod may be formed from a single piece or may be formed from multiple pieces joined or bonded together. The Z-rods may be made from an insulating material, optionally a plastic material. The Z-rods may be manufactured in any suitable manner depending on the choice of material.
[0039] The two end portions 532, 534 of the Z-shaped rod form the first end 212 and the second end 214 of each actuation component 200. The end portion 532 (the portion of the Z-shaped rod distal to the extension rod 216) is configured to engage with the user engagement button 154 so that the actuation component 200 can move in the third direction 106 in response to user actuation of each engagement button 154. In some specific examples, the end portion 532 is rigidly coupled to the back or rear of the user engagement button 154. In one embodiment, the end portion 532 is rigidly attached to the back / rear of the button 154. For example, the end portion 532 can be coupled to the user engagement button via a press-fit, snap-fit or interference fit mechanism, although it should be understood that other arrangements are possible. In other examples, the end portion 532 can simply be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the back of the user engagement button 154 such that actuation of the button actuates the Z-shaped rod.
[0040] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the operating mechanism 100 further comprises one or more guides for each actuating component. In this example, the one or more guides comprise a plate 540. The plate may be rigidly coupled to a door or cabinet in use. The frame 208 may be configured to rotate relative to the plate 540. The plate 540 comprises a slot 542 configured to receive the second end 534 (214a, 214b) of the actuating component 200. Each actuating component may be associated with a separate slot 542. The slot 542 may be formed in a single plate 540 as shown in FIG. 5, or there may be multiple plates, each plate acting as a guide for a separate actuating component. The guides act to maintain the actuating components in the correct orientation and position to actuate the operating button of the circuit breaker. Thus, a robust and reliable operating mechanism may be provided.
[0041] A second example of the operating mechanism 100 is described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. The operating mechanism includes a frame 208, which is optionally rigidly coupled to one or more pins 426. The one or more pins extend along the first axis of rotation 210. There may be a single pin extending along the first axis of rotation 210, or there may be multiple pins, and in some specific examples there are two pins, one at the top of the frame and one at the bottom of the frame. The frame may be rigidly coupled to the pin(s) 426, which are rotatable about the first axis of rotation 210. In other examples, the frame may be rotatably coupled to the pin(s) 426, which themselves may be rigidly coupled to, for example, a cabinet door or other fixed component, and the pin(s) 426 may thus form the first axis of rotation 210.
[0042] As described above, the operating mechanism includes a means for rotating the frame about the first axis of rotation 210. The means for rotating the frame includes a rotatable portion 420 and a connecting portion 750. The rotatable portion 420 is configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation 424 in response to a user actuation (e.g., in response to a user rotating the knob 156 about the second axis of rotation 424). The second axis of rotation 424 is different from the first axis of rotation 210. Optionally, as shown herein, the second axis of rotation 424 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 210 and parallel to the third direction, although other configurations are possible.
[0043] The connecting portion 750 pivotally couples the rotatable portion 420 to the frame 208 such that rotation of the rotatable portion 420 about the second axis of rotation 424 causes rotation of the frame 208 about the first axis of rotation 210. In this example, the connecting portion is pivotally coupled to the rotatable portion and rigidly coupled (directly or indirectly) to the frame 208 to facilitate rotation of the frame 208 in response to rotation of the rotatable portion. Specifically, in the arrangement shown in Figures 7A and 7B, both the frame 208 and the connecting portion 750 are rigidly coupled to one of the bottoms of the pin(s) 426. However, any other suitable arrangement may be used to cause rotation of the frame 208 about the first axis of rotation.
[0044] With particular reference to FIG. 9, the connecting portion is a flexible wire / flexible cable 750. The wire / cable 750 includes a rigid pin 962 or other coupling component at one end. The rigid pin 962 is configured to rigidly couple the flexible connecting portion 750 to the bottom pin 426 (or frame). The other end of the cable 750 may also include a portion that passes through a hole or opening in the rotatable portion 420, which is sized to allow the cable to pivot or rotate within the hole. In other examples, the cable 750 may be pivotally coupled to the rotatable portion 420 in other manners.
[0045] As mentioned above, the operating mechanism of Figures 7A and 7B also includes two actuation components 200. The actuation components are configured such that first ends 212 are offset along a first direction, the horizontal direction, and second ends 214 are offset along a second direction, the vertical direction.
[0046] With particular reference to FIG. 8, each actuating component 200 includes a strip 852. The strip 852 can be angled relative to a first direction and a second direction to facilitate a transition between the orientation of the first end 212 and the orientation of the second end 214. In some arrangements, as can be seen in FIG. 8, a central portion can be in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction. In other arrangements, the strip 852 of each actuating component can be angled relative to each of the first direction 102, the second direction 104, and the third direction 106, respectively. Each actuating component also includes a stud 854 and a fixed portion 856. The stud 854 and the fixed portion 856 extend in opposite directions from the strip, and the stud 854 extends parallel to the third direction. The studs 854 form the second end 214 of each actuating component 200 and the fixed portions 856 form the first ends 212 of the actuating components 200 .
[0047] The strip 852 may be formed from a single piece or from multiple pieces joined or bonded together. The strip may be formed from a metal or insulating material, optionally a plastic material. The studs 854 may also include or be formed from an insulating material and may be bonded to the strip 852 in any suitable manner. In the example described herein, the strip is a single piece formed from sheet metal with a self-clinching press stud fixed onto the strip, forming a permanent bond between the strip 852 and the studs 854 (i.e., the studs 854 are press studs). Instead of press studs, welded studs may be used to form the studs 854, which are welded to the sheet metal strip 852. However, other arrangements are possible depending on the application.
[0048] The fixed portion 856 (the end of the actuation component distal from the extension rod 216) is configured to engage with the user engagement button 154 so that the actuation component 200 can move in the third direction 106 in response to a user actuation of each engagement button 154. In some particular examples, the fixed portion is machined and rigidly coupled or integrally formed with the rear (or back) of the engagement button 154. For example, the fixed portion 856 can be a threaded component rigidly coupled to the user engagement button 154. This additional fixed portion 856 can be used to secure the strip 852 and the stud 854 to the user engagement button. For example, a bolt (optionally a hex bolt) can be used to secure the strip to the fixed portion. In other examples, the fixed portion can be machined and rigidly coupled or integrally formed with the strip, and the fixed portion can then be rigidly secured to the engagement button 154 in any suitable manner, optionally using a threaded portion accommodated by a corresponding thread of the button 154. The fastening portion may be any suitable component or mechanism configured to couple or join the strip 852 to the rear of the user engagement button 154 .
[0049] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 8, the operating mechanism 100 further comprises one or more guides for each actuation component. In this example, the one or more guides comprise a guide pin 858. The guide pin 858 may be rigidly coupled to the door or cabinet in use. In some specific examples shown herein, the guide pin 858 is a press stud or welded stud fixed to a sheet metal portion 878, which is itself rigidly fixed or coupled to the door. However, any suitable arrangement may be used to provide the guide pin 858. Thus, the frame 208 may be configured to rotate relative to the guide pin 858, such that the guide pin 858 remains fixed as the frame 208 rotates about the first axis of rotation 210. Each guide pin 858 is configured to be received by a corresponding opening (hole, slot or opening) provided in the actuation component 200. Here, the opening is formed in the strip 852 of the actuation component. Each actuation component may be associated with a separate guide pin 858, as shown in FIG. 8. This is because a single guide pin may be sufficient to maintain the desired orientation / angle of the actuating component 200. However, optionally, there may be multiple guide pins 858 for each actuating component. The guide pins act to maintain the actuating component in the proper orientation and position to actuate the operating button of the circuit breaker. Thus, a robust and reliable operating mechanism may be provided.
[0050] In the figures, the actuating components of FIG. 5 are shown in combination with the connecting portions of FIG. 6 and the actuating components of FIG. 8 are shown in combination with the connecting portions of FIG. 9. However, it should be understood that the actuating components of FIG. 5 may be combined with the connecting portions of FIG. 9 and the actuating components of FIG. 8 may be combined with the connecting portions of FIG. 6. Furthermore, any other suitable arrangement of actuating components and / or connecting portions (or means for rotating the frame) may be provided in any suitable combination. Furthermore, the guide portions of FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 may be combined with the actuating components in any suitable manner, for example, the guide portion of FIG. 5 may be used with the actuating components of FIG. 8 and vice versa (e.g., stud 854 may extend through slot 852 and opening 860 may be formed in the central portion 430 of the Z-shaped rod to accommodate guide pin 858).
[0051] Referring now to Figure 10, a system 1000 will be described. The system includes an operating mechanism 100 as described herein. The system also includes a cabinet 1080 having a door 1084, the inside of which partially defines a cavity 1082 within the cabinet. The cabinet may be a switchgear cabinet or any other suitable electrical cabinet for housing circuit breakers. A circuit breaker 150 is disposed within the cabinet cavity.
[0052] The outside of the door has two user-engageable buttons 154a, 154b offset from one another along the first direction 102, and a knob 156. The circuit breaker has two operating buttons 152a, 152b offset from one another along the second direction 104. The operating mechanism is disposed between the door 1084 and the circuit breaker 150. In particular, the operating mechanism 100 is coupled to the inside of the door, such that the first ends 212a, 212b of the two actuating components 200 are engaged with the two user-engageable buttons, and the knob is coupled to the means for rotating the frame.
[0053] The system 1000 is configured such that, in use, a first user actuation of the knob causes the frame to rotate about a first axis of rotation (between a first position and a second position, as described above), and a second user actuation of the two user-engageable buttons causes corresponding actuation of the two operating buttons by the operating mechanism (indirectly via the extension rod, as described above). This second position of the frame is the service position of the circuit breaker, in which the circuit breaker has moved along the third direction 106 (to accommodate the rotation of the frame) to the right in FIG. 10 . However, when the frame is in the first position, the circuit breaker is in a test position, and the circuit breaker is closer to the door 1084. In this test position, the knob 156 is unactuated and the frame does not rotate. Thus, the second ends of the two operating components directly actuate the operating buttons of the circuit breaker in response to the second user actuation.
Claims
1. An operating mechanism (100) for a circuit breaker (150) having two operating buttons (152a, 152b), comprising: a frame (208) configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation (210); means for rotating the frame about the first axis of rotation from a first position to a second position in response to a first user actuation; Two actuating components (200) each having a first end (212a, 212b) and a second end (214a, 214b), the first ends of the two actuating components are offset from one another in a first direction (102) and the second ends of the two actuating components are offset from one another in a second direction (104); each actuation component is configured to be moved in a third direction (106) in response to a second user actuation at the first end, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction being distinct from one another; Two actuating components (200); Two extension rods (216a, 216b) held within the frame; Equipped with In use, the operating mechanism comprises: when the frame is in the first position, the second ends of the two actuating components actuate the operating button of the circuit breaker in response to the second user actuation; When the frame is in the second position, the two extension rods are aligned with the second ends of the two actuating components, and the two extension rods actuate the operating button of the circuit breaker in response to the second user actuation. It is configured as follows: Operating mechanism (100).
2. When the frame is in the second position, the two extension rods extend parallel to the third direction; and / or the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other; The operating mechanism according to claim 1.
3. 3. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction, the first ends of the two operating components are arranged side by side along the horizontal direction, and the second direction is a vertical direction, the second ends of the two operating components are arranged one above the other along the vertical direction.
4. 4. The operating mechanism of claim 1, further comprising one or more resilient members configured to bias the frame to rotate about the first axis of rotation away from the second position and towards the first position.
5. The means for rotating the frame includes: a rotatable portion (420) configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation (424) different from the first axis of rotation in response to actuation by a user; a connecting portion (422, 750) pivotally coupling the rotatable portion to the frame, the connecting portion (422, 750) being configured such that rotation of the rotatable portion about the second axis of rotation causes rotation of the frame about the first axis of rotation; 5. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising:
6. the first axis of rotation extends parallel to the second direction; and / or the second axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation; and / or The second axis of rotation is parallel to the third direction. The operating mechanism according to claim 5.
7. The connection portion is a rigid rod (422), or A flexible wire (750); 7. The operating mechanism according to claim 5 or 6.
8. 8. An operating mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the connecting part is pivotally connected to the rotatable part and rigidly connected to the frame.
9. 9. The steering mechanism of claim 1, further comprising one or more pins (426), the frame being rigidly coupled to the one or more pins, the one or more pins being rotatable about the first axis of rotation.
10. Each actuation component comprises a Z-shaped rod, each Z-shaped rod having: a central portion (430) tilted with respect to the first direction and the second direction; two end portions (532, 534) forming the first end and the second end of the actuating component, the two end portions (532, 534) extending in opposite directions from the central portion and each extending parallel to the third direction; 10. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising:
11. Each of the working components includes: a strip (852) tilted with respect to the first direction and the second direction; a stud (854) rigidly coupled to the strip, forming the second end of the actuating component, the stud extending away from the strip in a direction parallel to the third direction; 10. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising:
12. The operating mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the two extension rods are made from an insulating material, optionally a plastic material.
13. The method further includes one or more guides for each of the actuating components, the one or more guides comprising: a plate (540) comprising a slot (542) configured to receive the second end (534, 214a, 214b) of the actuation component; and / or one or more guide pins (858) each configured to be received by a corresponding opening (860) in said actuation component; 13. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising:
14. 14. The operating mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first position of the frame corresponds to a test position and the second position of the frame corresponds to a service position.
15. A system (1000), An operating mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a cabinet (1080) having a door (1084), an inside of the door partially defining a cavity (1082) within the cabinet, and an outside of the door having two user-engageable buttons (154a, 154b) and a knob (156) offset from one another along the first direction (102); a circuit breaker (150) disposed within the cavity of the cabinet and having two operating buttons (152a, 152b) offset from one another along the second direction (104); Equipped with the operating mechanism is coupled to the inside of the door such that the first ends (212a, 212b) of the two actuating components (200) engage with the two user-engageable buttons and the knob is coupled to the means for rotating the frame; a first user actuation of the knob causes the frame to rotate about the first axis of rotation; a second user actuation of the two user-engageable buttons causes corresponding actuation of the two control buttons by the control mechanism. System (1000).