Claims:1. A switch disconnector (1) for actuating auxiliary contacts, the switch disconnector (1) comprising:
a mechanical assembly (3), comprising:
a horizontal rotor assembly (8);
a vertical rotor assembly (7) coupled to the horizontal rotor assembly (8), wherein the vertical rotor assembly (7) comprises a vertical rotor indicator (7a) to indicate ON or OFF position of the vertical rotor assembly (7);
an auxiliary contact assembly (6) mounted on the vertical rotor assembly (7), wherein the vertical rotor assembly (7) comprises an auxiliary contact actuation profile to actuate at least one auxiliary contact (14), said contact (14) being operatively coupled to an auxiliary contact cover (13);
wherein the switch disconnector (1) is positioned in OFF (O) position, wherein the horizontal rotor assembly (8) is rotated such that the vertical rotor assembly (7) is made to contact with the micro switch (14) to actuate the auxiliary contact assembly (6), and wherein position of the switch disconnector (1) is obtained corresponding to the indication by the vertical rotor indicator (7a) in ON position or OFF position when the auxiliary contact assembly (6) is actuated.

2. The switch disconnector (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical assembly (3) is further coupled to a shaft assembly (4).

3. The switch disconnector (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shaft assembly (4) is further coupled to an extended handle assembly (5).

4. The switch disconnector (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical assembly (3) comprises a mechanical housing (16).

5. The switch disconnector (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal rotor assembly (8), the vertical rotor assembly (7), the auxiliary contact assembly (6), the micro switch (14), the terminal assembly (18) and the moving contact assembly (19) are provided in the mechanical housing (16).

6. The switch disconnector (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal rotor assembly (8) comprises a horizontal gear (8a), a horizontal coupler (8b), a horizontal supporter (8c), a horizontal pins (8d) and mechanical driving pins (8e and 8f).

7. The switch disconnector (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical rotor assembly (7) further comprises a vertical rotor cam (7b), a vertical rotor gear (7c), a vertical rotor stopper (7d) and a shaft locking (7e).

8. The switch disconnector (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein spring rest pins (13) are used to mount the horizontal rotor assembly (8) to the vertical rotor assembly (7).

9. The switch disconnector (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary contact assembly (6) is a combination of a plurality of micro switches (14) and auxiliary contact housing / cover (13).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to actuation of auxiliary contacts in a switch disconnector. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an auxiliary contact actuator for actuation of auxiliary contacts in ON and OFF Positions in a switch disconnector.

BACKGROUND AND THE PRIOR ART

[002] It is known that switch disconnectors are used for electrical isolation and switching under load of inductive or resistive loads. For instance, the switch disconnectors are used for making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions, which may include specified operating overload conditions and also carrying for specified time currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as those of short-circuit.

[003] As known, auxiliary contacts are used to obtain indication of switch disconnector. Typically, the auxiliary contacts are accessories which gives signal that replicates the status of main contact of switch disconnector, to which it is coupled mechanically, via set of NO / NC contacts (micro switch). Generally, the auxiliary contacts are used to get the direct position of switch disconnector. i.e., ON-position or OFF-position.

[004] There are various devices available in the market in which each of them have their own philosophy of mechanical coupling with a main device and a special mechanism that converts mechanical signal from the main device into motion of NO / NC contacts. But they employ different mechanisms for auxiliary contact actuation.

[005] One such example is disclosed in a United States granted patent 7732723. In US7732723, it is disclosed that a switching device having a frame (housing (2)) and the auxiliary contact configuration comprising a first auxiliary contact position (5) provided in the frame part (2) and arranged to receive an auxiliary contact (micro switch (8)), and movable auxiliary contact control device (10) comprising a first control element (11) arranged to control the auxiliary contact (micro switch (8)) installed in the first position (5). The auxiliary contact configuration comprises a second auxiliary contact position (6) provided near the first auxiliary contact position (5), and the auxiliary contact control device (10) comprises a second control element (12) arranged to control the auxiliary contact (8) installed in the second position (6) in a manner different from the manner in which the first control element (11) is arranged to control the auxiliary contact (8) installed in the first position (5).

[006] Although the disclosure discussed above achieves the above disclosure provides a mechanism to achieve the auxiliary contact actuation, it has few drawbacks. For instance, the auxiliary contact actuation is achieved by means of a separate component i.e., auxiliary contact control device (10). Further, use of the separate or additional may lead to delay in the actuation of auxiliary contact, as the actuator is external driving member. Further, use of the additional component may increase the overall cost of manufacturing and the product.

[007] Therefore, there is a need in art to provide an auxiliary contact actuator, which has an in-built feature of auxiliary contact actuation without the need for an external component.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide auxiliary contact actuator and that avoids the drawbacks of the prior art.

[009] It is one object of the present invention to provide a switch disconnector for actuating auxiliary contacts. The switch disconnector comprises a mechanical assembly. The mechanical assembly comprises a horizontal rotor assembly, a vertical rotor assembly. The vertical rotor assembly is coupled to the horizontal rotor assembly. The vertical rotor assembly comprises a vertical rotor indicator to indicate ON or OFF position of the vertical rotor. The vertical rotor assembly comprises auxiliary contact actuation profile, which in turn to actuate the auxiliary contacts (micro switches). The mechanical assembly comprises a horizontal rotor assembly mounted on the vertical rotor, a vertical rotor assembly operatively coupled to the auxiliary contact assembly, a terminal assembly and a moving contact assembly operatively coupled to the horizontal rotor assembly. The switch disconnector is positioned in OFF position. The horizontal rotor assembly is rotated such that the vertical rotor is made to contact with the micro switch limb/arm to actuate the auxiliary contact assembly (micro switch contact assembly). Position of the switch disconnector is obtained corresponding to the indication by the vertical rotor indicator in ON position or OFF position when the auxiliary contact assembly (micro switch contact assembly) is actuated.

[010] Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[011] With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[012] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a 3-pole side operated switch disconnector 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[013] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mechanical assembly 3 coupled to a shaft assembly 4 and an extended handle assembly 5 coupled to the shaft assembly 4, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[014] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the shaft assembly 4, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[015] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the extended handle assembly 5, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure

[016] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the mechanical assembly 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[017] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a vertical rotor 7, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[018] Figure 7A and 7B illustrate an exploded view and a perspective view of a horizontal rotor assembly 8 shown, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[019] Figure 8 illustrates a spring clamp assembly 9, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[020] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of an auxiliary contact cover 13, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[021] Figure 10 illustrates cross-sectional view of features of the vertical rotor 7, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[022] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the mechanical assembly 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[023] Figures 12-16 illustrate operation of the 3-pole side switch disconnector 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[024] The following detailed description is intended to provide example implementations to one of ordinary skill in the art, and is not intended to limit the invention to the explicit disclosure, as one or ordinary skill in the art will understand that variations can be substituted that are within the scope of the invention as described.

[025] The present disclosure discloses a switch disconnector for actuating auxiliary contacts. The switch disconnector comprises a mechanical assembly. The mechanical assembly comprises a horizontal rotor assembly, a vertical rotor assembly. A vertical rotor assembly is coupled to the horizontal rotor assembly. The vertical rotor comprises a vertical rotor indicator to indicate ON or OFF position of the vertical rotor. The vertical rotor comprises auxiliary contact actuation profile, which in turn to actuate the auxiliary contacts (micro switches). The mechanical assembly comprises a horizontal rotor assembly mounted on the vertical rotor, a vertical rotor assembly operatively coupled to the auxiliary contact assembly, a terminal assembly and a moving contact assembly operatively coupled to the horizontal rotor assembly. The switch disconnector is positioned in OFF position. The horizontal rotor assembly is rotated such that the vertical rotor is made to contact with the micro switch limb/arm to actuate the auxiliary contact assembly (micro switch contact assembly). Position of the switch disconnector is obtained corresponding to the indication by the vertical rotor indicator in ON position or OFF position when the auxiliary contact assembly (micro switch contact assembly) is actuated.

[026] Various features and embodiments of actuating auxiliary contacts are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS 1-12

[027] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a 3-pole side operated switch disconnector 1 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The switch disconnector 1 comprises a contact system pole 2, and a mechanical assembly 3 coupled to the contact system pole 2. Further, the mechanical assembly 3 is coupled to a shaft assembly 4. Further, the switch disconnector 1 comprises an extended handle assembly 5 coupled to the shaft assembly 4.

[028] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the mechanical assembly 3 coupled to the shaft assembly 4 and the extended handle assembly 5 coupled to the shaft assembly 4 is shown. Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the shaft assembly 4 is shown. Further, referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the extended handle assembly 5 is shown.

[029] Further, FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the mechanical assembly 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the mechanical assembly 3 comprises, a vertical rotor 7 for which an auxiliary contact assembly 6 (combination of micro switches (14) & auxiliary contact housing / cover (13) together become auxiliary contact assembly (6)) is mounted thereon. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the mechanical assembly 3 further comprises a spring arm 10, a mechanical spring 11, a spring rest pin 12, an auxiliary contact cover 13, a micro switch 14, connecting terminals of auxiliary assembly 15, a mechanism housing 16, an auxiliary cover fitment hardware 17.

[030] Now referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the vertical rotor 7 is shown. The vertical rotor 7 comprises a vertical rotor indicator 7a, a vertical rotor cam 7b, a vertical rotor gear 7c, a vertical rotor stopper 7d and a shaft adjustability/locking 7e.

[031] Now referring to FIG. 2, the mechanical assembly 3 further comprises a horizontal rotor assembly 8. Further, referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an exploded view and a perspective view of the horizontal rotor assembly 8 are shown, respectively. The horizontal rotor assembly 8 comprises a horizontal gear 8a, a horizontal coupler 8b, a horizontal supporter 8c, a horizontal pins 8d and mechanical driving pins 8e and 8f.

[032] Now referring to FIG. 2, the mechanical assembly 3 further comprises a spring clamp assembly 9. The shaft lock clamp assembly 9 is further shown in FIG. 8.

[033] Referring to FIG. 9, a perspective view of the auxiliary contact housing / cover 13 is shown.

[034] Further, FIG. 10 shows the cross-sectional view of features of the vertical rotor 7. As can be seen, section 1-1 shows the switch disconnector ON-OFF indication feature of the vertical rotor indicator 7a. Section 2-2 shows the vertical rotor cam for auxiliary contact actuation, which actuates the micro switches during ON & OFF operations. Section 3-3 shows the vertical rotor gear cam, which is used to drive the horizontal rotor assembly 8. Section 4-4 shows the vertical rotor stopper, which is used to hold the vertical rotor in ON & OFF positions. Further, the shaft-locking (7e) feature shows, the shaft adjustability as per the panel depth requirement.

[035] Referring to FIG. 11, a perspective view of the mechanical assembly 3 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, construction of the 3-pole switch disconnector 1 is explained. At first, one mechanism housing 16 may be taken as a reference component. Subsequently, the horizontal rotor assembly 8 might be placed in the mechanism housing 16. Further, the vertical rotor 7 along with the horizontal rotor assembly 8 is placed to match the cam tooth arrangement. Subsequently, the spring rest pins 12 are placed in the mechanism housing 16. Subsequently, the mechanical spring 11 is placed in the spring arm 10. Further, the one end of the spring 11 and the spring arm 10 is placed in the spring rest pins 12 and other end is placed in the horizontal rotor assembly 8. Further, the second mechanism housing 16 is placed on top of this assembly to make mechanism assembly. Further, the auxiliary contact assembly 6 (combination of micro switches (14) & auxiliary contact housing / cover (13) together become auxiliary contact assembly (6)) is placed on top of the above assembly to make mechanism assembly with auxiliary contacts (micro switches (14)) assembly. Further, the extended shaft assembly 4 is placed on the vertical rotor 7, where square portion is provided. On top of this place the extended handle assembly 5 is placed to make complete mechanism assembly 3 for ready for operation. Further, the contact system poles are placed left or right side of the mechanism 3 to make 3-Pole Switch disconnector.

[036] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the switch disconnector 1 comprising the auxiliary contacts (micro switches) 14 are used to obtain the direct position of switch disconnector 1 i.e., ON-position or OFF-position. In order to obtain the direct position of switch disconnector 1, at first the switch disconnector may be put in an OFF (O) position, wherein the contact system pole of the switch disconnector 1 kept is in open position and an ON (I) position. In the above case, the contact system pole of the switch disconnector 1 is kept in closed position. Subsequently, rotating the horizontal rotor 8 of mechanism/actuator 3 of the switch disconnector 1 changes the position of switch disconnector 1. For rotating the horizontal rotor 8, the switch disconnector 1 is provided with the vertical rotor 7 having OFF & ON positions, which correspond to the OFF & ON position of the switch disconnector 1.

[037] Referring to FIG. 12 to 16, operation of the 3-pole side switch disconnector 1 is explained.

[038] Referring to FIG. 12, the auxiliary contact actuation in mechanism and contact system position in OFF position is shown. In OFF position, the auxiliary contact actuation comprises mechanical assembly 3, the vertical rotor 7, the micro-switches 14, the contact system pole, the terminal assembly 18 and the moving contact assembly 19.

[039] Further, FIG. 13 shows the auxiliary contact actuation in mechanism and contact system position in in Dead-Centre position. In Dead-Centre position, the auxiliary contact actuation comprises mechanical assembly 3, the vertical rotor 7, the micro-switches 14, the contact system pole, the terminal assembly 18 and the moving contact assembly 19.

[040] FIG. 14 shows the auxiliary contact actuation in mechanism and contact system position in which the vertical rotor 7 cam just touches the micro switches during OFF to ON operation. In this position, the auxiliary contact actuation comprises the mechanism 3, the vertical rotor 7, the micro-switches 14, the contact system pole, the terminal assembly 18 and the moving contact assembly 19.

[041] FIG. 15 shows the auxiliary contact actuation and contact system position, at this instant the micro switch 14 is in just ON-condition. In this position, the auxiliary contact actuation comprises mechanism 3, the vertical rotor 7, the micro-switches 14, the contact system pole, the terminal assembly 18 and the moving contact assembly 19.

[042] FIG. 16 shows the auxiliary contact actuation in mechanism and contact system position, at this instant micro switch is in full ON-condition. In this position, the auxiliary contact actuation comprises mechanism 3, the vertical rotor 7, the micro-switches 14, the contact system pole, the terminal assembly 18 and the moving contact assembly 19.

[043] Based on the above, the function of auxiliary contacts in the switch disconnector 1 may be defined as below Table 1:

S. No. Switch Indication Main Contacts Position Auxiliary Contacts Position
1 OFF (O) Open NO – Open; NC - Close
2 ON (I) Close NO – Close; NC - Open

Table 1: Function of auxiliary contacts in the switch disconnector

[044] Although it is explained that the present invention discloses using auxiliary contacts to get the direct position of 3-pole switch disconnector, it is possible to obtain position of the 4-pole switch disconnector. In order to obtain position of the 4-pole switch disconnector, at first, one mechanism housing 16 may be taken as a reference component. Subsequently, the horizontal rotor assembly 8 might be placed in the mechanism housing 16. Further, the vertical rotor 7 along with the horizontal rotor assembly 8 is placed to match the cam tooth arrangement. Subsequently, the spring rest pins 13 are placed in the mechanism housing 16. Subsequently, the mechanical spring 11 is placed in the spring arm 10. Further, the one end of the spring arm 11 and the spring arm 10 is placed in the spring rest pins 13 and other end is placed in the horizontal rotor assembly 8. Further, the second mechanism housing 16 is placed on top of this assembly to make mechanism assembly. Further, the auxiliary contact assembly 6 (combination of micro switches (14) & auxiliary contact housing / cover (13) together become auxiliary contact assembly (6)) is placed on top of the above assembly to make mechanism assembly with auxiliary contact assembly. Further, the extended shaft assembly 4 is placed on the vertical rotor 7, where square portion is provided. On top of this place the extended handle 5 is placed to make complete mechanism assembly 3 for ready for operation. Further, the contact system poles are placed left and right side of the mechanism 3 to make 4-Pole Switch disconnector.

[045] Based on the above, it is understood that auxiliary contacts are used to get the direct position of switch disconnector. i.e., ON-position or OFF-position.

[046] Further, the invention provides following advantages.

[047] The auxiliary actuation is achieved using vertical rotor, and without any additional component to be used.

[048] The invention helps to avoid any variation/delay in the actuation of auxiliary contact as the actuator is integrated with main driving member i.e. the vertical rotor.

[049] With this invention, it is ensured that same actuation point for ON-OFF and OFF-ON operation is needed and no additional component is required for positive indication. Further, it is ensured that positive stoppages in ON & OFF positions. In other words, the positive indication is achieved by providing small feature in vertical rotor top portion or vertical rotor bottom portion.

[050] Since, auxiliary actuation is achieved with ON-OFF indication and stoppage in ON and OFF position, by engaging the vertical rotor, it ensures that no variation in the feature functioning during ON – OFF operation. Further, it results in ease in manufacturing, assembly and functioning of the switch disconnector.

[051] With this invention, it is ensured that following features from single component. Thereby reducing the additional component manufacturing cost.
i. Auxiliary actuation
ii. ON-OFF Indication
iii. Stoppage in ON & OFF positions
iv. Torque and energy transmission from Operating Handle to primary actuator i.e. spring
v. Hosting shaft locking arrangement

[052] The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.