[001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to a field fit-able auxiliary devices to be used along with an electrical switching unit and more particularly, to a field fit-able auxiliary device to provide open/ close and fault indication of contacts of electrical switching unit. The proposed field fit-able auxiliary device can perform two functions, i.e. alarm signaling and trip indication without compromising the modular size.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Referring to Figure 1 illustrating a field fit-able auxiliary device 100 according to the existing art. In the existing art, auxiliary devices 100 are present to perform two operations, i.e. alarm signaling (AUX operation) and the trip indication (ALT operation). However, the existing auxiliary devices 100 are not capable of performing these operations independently. To perform these operations a button is provided in the auxiliary device 100 for manual switching between the two operations.
[003] In a case wherein there is a requirement of both the operations simultaneously, two auxiliary devices of the configuration 1NO+1NC are used. This not only increases the cost of the overall system, but also increases the complexity of the distribution board. Also the space requirement for extra auxiliary device is more in the distribution board.
[004] Therefore, there is a need to develop a field fit-able auxiliary device which can perform both alarm signaling (AUX operation) and the trip indication (ALT operation), in a way, that can obviate the drawbacks mentioned above.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[005] It is therefore an object of the present invention, to solve the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the existing field fit-able auxiliary devices.
[006] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a field fit-able auxiliary device which can automatically perform both the alarm signaling (AUX operation) and the trip indication (ALT operation).
[007] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a field fit-able auxiliary device having two micro-switches in existing modular space.
[008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a field fit-able auxiliary device wherein both the functions, alarm signaling (AUX operation) and the trip indication (ALT operation), independently.
[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a field fit-able auxiliary device having provision for manually tripping the auxiliary device.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a field fit-able auxiliary device having provision for manually reset.
[0011] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a field fit-able auxiliary device with 2NO+2NC design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] One or more drawbacks of conventional field fit-table auxiliary devices, and additional advantages are provided through the field fit-able auxiliary device as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0013] The present invention relates to a field fit-able auxiliary device to provide open/close and fault indication of contacts of electrical switching unit. The auxiliary device comprises a first micro switch, a second micro switch, an auxiliary switch assembly, a first screw terminal, a second screw terminal, a third screw terminal, a fourth screw terminal, a fifth screw terminal, a sixth screw terminal and an operating mechanism assembly. The first micro switch and the second micro switch is provided to perform ALT operation and AUX operation. The first micro switch and the second micro switch are actuated by the auxiliary switch assembly according to the condition of the electrical switching unit. The auxiliary switch assembly has a first rotating part and a second rotating part both pivotal to an auxiliary link which is mechanically coupled to control shaft of the electrical switching unit. The first screw terminal, the second screw terminal and the third screw terminal coupled to the first micro switch. The fourth screw terminal, the fifth screw terminal and the sixth screw terminal coupled to the second micro switch.
[0014] The operating mechanism assembly has a test knob, a reset knob and an operating knob. The test knob is provided to manually trip the auxiliary device, the reset knob is provided to reset the trip condition to normal condition and the operating knob to indicate open/close and fault condition of the electrical switching device.
[0015] In an aspect, the auxiliary link is adapted to restrictedly rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, whenever there is change in state of the electrical switching device or any manual operation is performed on the auxiliary device.
[0016] In an aspect, the rotation of the auxiliary link initiate movement of the first rotating part and the second rotating part to actuate the first micro switch and the second micro switch to independently perform AUX operation and ALT operation, respectively.
[0017] In an aspect, in an ON condition the operating knob and the reset knob is in UP position implying that the first micro switch is in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity of the second screw terminal and the third screw terminal and that the second micro switch is in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity of the fourth screw terminal and the fifth screw terminal.
[0018] In an aspect, in a TRIP condition the operating knob and the reset knob are in DOWN position implying that the first micro switch is in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity of the first screw terminal and the third screw terminal and that the second micro switch is in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity of the fourth screw terminal and the sixth screw terminal.
[0019] In an aspect, in an OFF condition the operating knob is in DOWN position and the reset knob is in UP position implying that the first micro switch is in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity of second screw terminal and the third screw terminal and that the second micro switch is in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity of fourth screw terminal and the sixth screw terminal.
[0020] In an aspect, the operating mechanism assembly is operably connected to the auxiliary switch assembly.
[0021] In an aspect, the test knob, the reset knob and the operating knob are linked to the first rotating part and the second rotating part to actuate the first micro switch and the second rotating switch.
[0022] In an aspect, the test knob manually trip the auxiliary device by switching the states of both the first micro switch and the second micro switch to Normally Closed (NC) state.
[0023] In an aspect, the reset knob reset the trip condition to normal condition by switching either first micro switch or both the micro switches to Normally Open (NO) state.
[0024] In an aspect, the third screw terminal connected to the first micro switch and the fourth screw terminal connected to the second micro switch are common terminal.
[0025] In an aspect, the alarm signaling operation (ALT) is sensed from the first screw terminal, the second screw terminal and the third screw terminal present at bottom of the auxiliary device.
[0026] In an aspect, the trip indication (AUX) is sensed from the fourth screw terminal, the fifth screw terminal and the sixth screw terminal present at top of the auxiliary device.
[0027] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present invention, a description relating thereto has been made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0028] Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the description when read in conjunction with accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments of invention and wherein:
[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a field fit-able auxiliary device according to the existing art;
[0030] Figure 2 illustrates sectional side view of a field fit-able auxiliary device to provide open/close and fault indication of contacts of electrical switching unit, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0031] Figure 3 illustrates front view of a field fit-able auxiliary device to provide open/close and fault indication of contacts of electrical switching unit, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0032] Figure 4 illustrating the sectional view of the field fit-able auxiliary device, when the electrical switching unit is in ON state, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0033] Figure 5 illustrates the sectional view of the field fit-able auxiliary device, when the electrical switching unit is in TRIP state, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0034] Figure 6 illustrates the sectional view of the field fit-able auxiliary device, when the electrical switching unit is in OFF state, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention discloses a field fit-able auxiliary device 200 to provide open/close and fault indication of contacts of electrical switching unit.
[0036] Referring to Figure 2 illustrating sectional side view of a field fit-able auxiliary device 200 to provide open/close and fault indication of contacts of electrical switching unit, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. The field fit-able auxiliary device 200 comprises a first micro switch 201, a second micro switch 202, an auxiliary switch assembly, a first screw terminal 206, a second screw terminal 207, a third screw terminal 208, a fourth screw terminal 209, a fifth screw terminal 210, a sixth screw terminal 211 and an operating mechanism assembly.
[0037] The first micro switch 201 is provided to perform trip indication (ALT operation) and the second micro switch 202 is provided to perform alarm signaling (AUX operation). The first micro switch 201 and the second micro switch 202 performs their ALT and AUX operations according to the auxiliary switch assembly.
[0038] The auxiliary switch assembly works as a link between the electrical switching unit and the micro switches 201, 202. The auxiliary switch assembly actuates the first micro switch 201 and the second micro switch 202 according to the condition of the electrical switching unit. The auxiliary switch assembly comprises a first rotating part 203, a second rotating part 204 and an auxiliary link 205. To perform its intended operation, the first rotating part 203 is in contact with the first micro switch 201 and the second rotating part 204 is in contact with the second micro switch 202. The auxiliary link 205 is mechanically coupled to control shaft of the electrical switching unit. The auxiliary link 205 is adapted to restrictedly rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, whenever there is a change in state of the electrical switching device or any manual operation is performed on the auxiliary device 200. Both the first rotating part 203 and the second rotating part 204 are pivotal to the auxiliary link 205. The arrangement of auxiliary switch assembly facilitates the actuation of the first micro switch 201 and the second micro switch 202 in accordance with the state of the electrical switching unit.
[0039] The first screw terminal 206, the second screw terminal 207 and the third screw terminal 208 are coupled to the first micro switch 201. Similarly, the fourth screw terminal 209, the fifth screw terminal 210 and the sixth screw terminal 211 are coupled to the second micro switch 202. Based on the change in state of the electrical switching unit, the first micro switch 201 and the second micro switch 202 is actuated by the movement of the first rotating part 203 and the second rotating part 204. This actuation leads to AUX operation and/or ALT operation, independently. The alarm signaling ALT operation is sensed from the first screw terminal 206, the second screw terminal 207 and the third screw terminal 208. Further, the trip indication (AUX) operation is sensed from the fourth screw terminal 209, the fifth screw terminal 210 and the sixth screw terminal 211.
[0040] Referring to figure 3 illustrating front view of a field fit-able auxiliary device 200 to provide open/close and fault indication of contacts of electrical switching unit, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. The operating mechanism assembly comprises a test knob 301, a reset knob 302 and an operating knob 303. The test knob 301 is provided to manually trip the auxiliary device 200. To manually trip the auxiliary device 200, the state of the first micro switch 201 and the second micro switch 202 is bring to normally closed (NC) state.
[0041] The reset knob 302 is provided to reset the trip condition to normal condition (ON/OFF). There are two ways to bring the electrical switching unit from trip condition to normal condition. First, to bring the electrical switching device in ON state, the state of the first micro switch 201 and the second micro switch 202 is bring to the normally open (NO) state. Secondly, to bring the electrical switching device in OFF state, the state of the first micro switch 201 is bring to the normally open (NO) state.
[0042] The operating knob 303 is provided to indicate the open/close and fault condition of the electrical switching device based on the state of the first micro switch 201 and the second micro switch 202.
[0043] The operating knob 303 is provided to indicate the open/close and fault condition of the electrical switching device. The operating mechanism assembly is operably connected to the auxiliary switch assembly.
[0044] The test knob (301), the reset knob (302) and the operating knob (303) of the operating mechanism assembly are linked to the first rotating part (203) and the second rotating part (204) of the auxiliary switch assembly to actuate the first micro switch (201) and the second rotating switch (202).
[0045] The operating mechanism assembly is operably connected to the auxiliary switch assembly through various means. In an aspect, a metal pin (212) is used to link the operating knob (303) with the first rotating part (203) and the second rotating part (204).
WORKING OF THE FIELD FIT-ABLE AUXILIARY DEVICE
DURING ON CONDITION OF THE ELECTRICAL SWITCHING UNIT
[0046] Referring to figure 4 illustrating the sectional view of the field fit-able auxiliary device 200, when the electrical switching unit is in ON state, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. During ON condition, both the operating knob 303 and the rest knob 302 are in UP position. This imply that the first micro switch 201 is in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity 401 of the second screw terminal 207 and the third screw terminal 208. It also implies that the second micro switch 202 is also in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity 402 of the fourth screw terminal 209 and the fifth screw terminal 210.
DURING TRIP CONDITION OF THE ELECTRICAL SWITCHING UNIT
[0047] Referring to figure 5 illustrating the sectional view of the field fit-able auxiliary device 200, when the electrical switching unit is in TRIP state, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. During TRIP condition, both the operating knob 303 and the rest knob 302 are in DOWN position. This imply that the first micro switch 201 is in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity 501 of the first screw terminal 206 and the third screw terminal 208. It also implies that the second micro switch 202 is also in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity 502 of the fourth screw terminal 209 and the sixth screw terminal 211.
DURING OFF CONDITION OF THE ELECTRICAL SWITCHING UNIT
[0048] Referring to figure 6 illustrating the sectional view of the field fit-able auxiliary device 200, when the electrical switching unit is in OFF state, according to preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. During OFF condition, the operating knob 303 is in DOWN position and the reset knob 302 is in UP position. This imply that the first micro switch 201 is in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity 601 of the second screw terminal 207 and the third screw terminal 208. It also implies that the second micro switch 202 is also in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity 602 of the fourth screw terminal 209 and the sixth screw terminal 211.
ADVANTAGES
[0049] The proposed field fit-able auxiliary device 200 has two micro switches 201, 202 to perform the alarm signaling operation and fault indication operation independently. The use of two micro switches 201, 202 are done in a way that no extra modular spaced is needed. Further, the proposed field fit-able auxiliary device 200 does not need any manual switch to perform functioning of alarm signaling and trip indication as in currently available auxiliary devices. Instead, the proposed field fit-able auxiliary device 200 performed these functions automatically. Provision of manual tripping and manual resetting is provided in the proposed auxiliary device 200. Furthermore, the proposed field fit-able auxiliary device 200 has 2NO+2NC design.
[0050] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0051] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.

Claims:We Claim:
1. A field fit-able auxiliary device (200) to provide open/close and fault indication of contacts of electrical switching unit, the auxiliary device (200) comprises:
a first micro switch (201) and a second micro switch (202) to independently perform ALT operation and AUX operation, respectively;
an auxiliary switch assembly to actuate the first micro switch (201) and the second micro switch (202) according to the condition of the electrical switching unit, wherein the auxiliary switch assembly has a first rotating part (203) and a second rotating part (204) both pivotal to an auxiliary link (205) which is mechanically coupled to control shaft of the electrical switching unit;
a first screw terminal (206), a second screw terminal (207) and a third screw terminal (208) coupled to the first micro switch (201);
a fourth screw terminal (209), a fifth screw terminal (210) and a sixth screw terminal (211) coupled to the second micro switch (202);
an operating mechanism assembly having a test knob (301), a reset knob (302) and an operating knob (303), wherein the test knob (301) is provided to manually trip the auxiliary device (200), the reset knob (302) is provided to reset the trip condition to normal condition and the operating knob (303) to indicate open/close and fault condition of the electrical switching device.
2. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary link (205) is adapted to restrictedly rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, whenever there is change in state of the electrical switching device or any manual operation is performed on the auxiliary device (200).
3. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotation of the auxiliary link (205) initiate movement of the first rotating part (203) and the second rotating part (204) to actuate the first micro switch (201) and the second micro switch (202) to independently perform AUX operation and ALT operation, respectively.
4. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in an ON condition the operating knob (303) and the reset knob (302) is in UP position implying that the first micro switch (201) is in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity of the second screw terminal (207) and the third screw terminal (208) and that the second micro switch (202) is in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity of the fourth screw terminal (209) and the fifth screw terminal (210).
5. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a TRIP condition the operating knob (303) and the reset knob (302) are in DOWN position implying that the first micro switch (201) is in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity of the first screw terminal (206) and the third screw terminal (208) and that the second micro switch (201) is in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity of the fourth screw terminal (209) and the sixth screw terminal (211).
6. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in an OFF condition the operating knob (303) is in DOWN position and the reset knob (302) is in UP position implying that the first micro switch (201) is in normally open (NO) state owning to the continuity of second screw terminal (207) and the third screw terminal (208) and that the second micro switch (202) is in normally close (NC) state owning to the continuity of fourth screw terminal (209) and the sixth screw terminal (211).
7. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating mechanism assembly is operably connected to the auxiliary switch assembly.
8. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the test knob (301), the reset knob (302) and the operating knob (303) are linked to the first rotating part (203) and the second rotating part (204) to actuate the first micro switch (201) and the second rotating switch (202).
9. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the test knob (301) manually trip the auxiliary device (200) by switching the states of both the first micro switch (201) and the second micro switch (202) to Normally Closed (NC) state.
10. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reset knob (302) reset the trip condition to normal condition by switching either first micro switch (201) or both the micro switches (201, 202) to Normally Open (NO) state.
11. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third screw terminal (208) connected to the first micro switch (201) and the fourth screw terminal (209) connected to the second micro switch (202) are common terminal.
12. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alarm signaling operation (ALT) is sensed from the first screw terminal (206), the second screw terminal (207) and the third screw terminal (208) present at bottom of the auxiliary device (200).
13. The field fit-able auxiliary device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trip indication (AUX) is sensed from the fourth screw terminal (209), the fifth screw terminal (210) and the sixth screw terminal (211) present at top of the auxiliary device (200).