DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an actuator mechanism used in Electrically Operating mechanism (EOM) for Changeover Switch. The present invention provides a simple cam based actuator mechanism which controls the supply to EOM when the input signal is given and also provides the information regarding the position of the switch to restrict the repeated input signals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Glossary:
EOM:
Electrically operated mechanism - Electrical power is used to operate the device.
Microswitch:
Small sized switches with contacts that can be closed/opened through an actuating lever/projection.
NO contacts:
Normally Open contacts-The contacts will be open when the Microswitch is not actuated and will close when actuated.
NC contacts:
Normally Closed contacts-The contacts will be closed when the Microswitch is not actuated and will open when actuated.
Changeover switches (CO-SD) are widely used to switch between primary and backup power source. These Switches comprise of 2 Switch-Disconnectors (SD) connected back-to-back. Existing products use either electronic device like timer to control the time duration of the supply to the EOM or use the contact system to take out the information regarding the status of the switch. Since there are 2 contact systems (One in each SD), multiple cams are used to sense the status of CO-SD. This also calls for linkage with both mechanism and Contact system of CO-SD as the operation is made through the mechanism and position sensing is done through the contact system. Products using timers may not ensure the complete position change as the supply would be cut off after a particular interval irrespective of the state/Position of CO-SD.
In existing system, multiple components are used as actuators to identify the position of the switch. When contact system is used as the input for the position, any abnormalities in the linkage between the mechanism and contact system of CO-SD would not be sensed resulting in malfunction of EOM like the driving the mechanism beyond its limit when there is any issue in the opening/closing of contact system. When timers are used to control the supply, the EOM can stop before the opening/closing operation of CO-SD is completed.
The present inventors have provided a mechanism which utilizes the driving shaft connected to the mechanism of CO-SD as a single reference to know the position of the switch as well as to cut off the supply when the desired position is reached. A single component connected to the driving shaft is used to perform both functions. Any malfunction in the linkage between the mechanism and contact system of CO-SD would not affect the operation of EOM as the supply to EOM would be cut-off at the instance when the shaft reaches the desired position. The desired position of the Shaft is set by the profile of the Actuator and the position of micro-switches.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
One object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages/drawbacks of the prior art.
A basic object of the present invention is to provide an actuator mechanism for EOM for changeover switch.
These and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an actuator mechanism to control the power supply to electrically operated mechanism for changeover switch, said actuator mechanism comprising;
a driving shaft transmitting the required torque from the electrically operated mechanism to the changeover switch to perform the ON/OFF operation;
one or more micro-switch having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact for controlling the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism;
an actuator having one set of a normally closed cam (2) and other set of a normally open cam projections connected to driving shaft to actuate the said contacts of the micro-switch
wherein said actuator in combination with said micro-switch controls the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism during ON and OFF operation of said changeover switch.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention changeover switches have three stable positions-ON1, OFF, ON2. Electrically operating mechanism is used to operate the Changeover switches using electrical power providing easiness to the user. EOM drives the shaft of the Changeover switch through a gear train powered by a motor as the input. Electrical supply to EOM has to be controlled so that it does not drive the Changeover Switch after the stable position is reached. In addition, the control mechanism has to also sense the position of the switch so that the supply is cut when the same input signal is given repeatedly.
The changeover switches comprise of two Switch-Disconnectors (SDs) connected back-to-back.
The Changeover switch (CO-SD) is a four pole device with 16 terminals in total, 4 incoming terminals & 4 outgoing terminals for each SD. The COSD shown in figure 16 is in OFF position.
The SD on top is designated as SD-I which is turned ON by clockwise rotation of the operating shaft. The SD on bottom is designated as SD-II which is turned ON by Anticlockwise rotation of the operating shaft.
Hence, Changeover switches have three stable positions-ON1, OFF, ON2.
These Changeover switches (CO-SD) are widely used to switch between primary and backup power source i.e. SD-I is connected to Primary power source and SD-II is connected to secondary power source. The outgoing terminals are connected to a common load so that the power source can be changed via. the operation of COSD.
The Actuator mechanism discussed here consists of an Actuator with two sets of projecting ears and 4 Micro-switches. One set of projections in Actuator along with one set of Micro-Switches control the supply during the ON to OFF operation of CO-SD whereas the other set of projections along with other set of Micro-Switches control the OFF to ON operation. ON operation can be to position ON 1 or ON 2 i.e. primary source connected or backup source connected.
The Actuator is directly connected to the driving shaft which transmits the required torque from EOM to CO-SD to perform the ON/OFF operation. The Micro-Switches are placed in such a manner that its orientation and position meets the requirement i.e. supply cut-off at the desired angle of rotation.
During OFF to ON1 operation (O-I), the EOM drives the shaft in clockwise direction and in turn the actuator also rotates in clockwise direction. After rotating to a particular angle, one set of projections (NC cam) in the Actuator pushes the lever of the Micro-switch (NC1 Micro-switch) thereby opening its Normally Closed (NC) contacts which cut the supply to the motor in EOM. The angle at which the Micro-switch is actuated to cut off the supply can be modified by changing either the profile of the Actuator or the location & orientation of the Micro-Switch.
During ON1 to OFF operation (I-O), the EOM drives the shaft in Anti-clockwise direction and in turn the actuator also rotates in Anti-clockwise direction. Now, the other set of projections (NO cam) in the Actuator releases the lever of the Micro-switch (NO1 Micro-switch) thereby opening its Normally Open (NO) contacts which cut the supply to the motor in EOM.
Similarly, the OFF to ON2 (O-II) and ON2 to OFF (II-O) operation is carried out through the Micro-switches on the other side (NC2 & NO2 Micro-switches). The detailed working of the mechanism is explained with reference to the drawings below. Controlling the operation of EOM to drive the Changeover Switch is achieved through a single component that controls both directions of operation. Micro-Switches are utilized to perform a dual function of limiting the supply at the required position as well as to know the state of the CO-SD. They also provide a control over repetition of input signal by not responding to the input signal of the current position of the Switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The following drawings are illustrative of particular examples for enabling methods of the present invention, are descriptive of some of the methods, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.
Figure 1 shows the entire Actuator (1)
Figure 2 shows the Actuator (1) assembled with the driving shaft (4)
Figure 3 shows the complete Actuator mechanism with the Actuator (1), Driving Shaft (4) and Micro-Switches (5,6,7 & 8).
Figure 4 shows the top view of the assembly with only the NC cam (2) profile of Actuator and the two Micro-switches (5&6) that it actuates.
Figure 5 shows NC1 Micro-switch actuated by the NC cam profile of Actuator through its rotation in clockwise direction.
Figure 6 shows NC2 Micro-switch actuated by the NC cam profile of Actuator through its rotation in Anti-clockwise direction.
Figure 7 shows the top view of the assembly with only the NO cam (3) profile of Actuator and the two Micro-switches (7&8) that it actuates.
Figure 8 shows NO1 Micro-switch actuated by NO cam profile of Actuator when the CO-SD is in ON1 position.
Figure 9 shows the instance at which the NO1 Micro-switch actuation is released by the NO cam profile of Actuator through its rotation in Anti-clockwise direction.
Figures 10 and 11 show casts a similar case as in figures 8 & 9 respectively in the ON2 position.
Figure 12 shows 3D view of the complete EOM assembly.
Figure 13 shows internal construction of EOM without the outer covers.
Figure 14 shows the middle plate assembly.
Figure 15 shows the Middle plate assembly with a middle plate, actuator cam, shaft and micro switches.
Figure 16 shows 3D view of a COSD.
Figures 17(a) & 17(b) showthe top & front view of COSD.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numerals are used to depict the same or similar elements, features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.
Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.
It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
Accordingly, present invention provides an actuator mechanism to control the power supply to electrically operated mechanism for changeover switch
Construction of the assembly mechanism of the present invention is explained with reference to the accompanying figures.
The main embodiment of this patent consists of an Actuator mechanism which is used to control the supply to EOM for Changeover switch.
Fig. 1 shows the entire Actuator (1) with two sets of projecting ears. As given in the overview above, the NC cam (2) controls the EOM during OFF to ON operation of CO-SD. The NO cam (3) controls the EOM during ON to OFF operation of CO-SD.
Fig. 2 shows the Actuator (1) assembled with the driving shaft (4). The driving shaft connects the EOM with CO-SD and transmits the torque required to operate the switch. The square profile in the bottom of the Shaft engages with the mechanism of CO-SD while the flat portion above the Actuator is utilized for engagement with the gear system of EOM.
Fig. 3 shows the complete Actuator mechanism with the Actuator (1), Driving Shaft (4) and Micro-Switches (5,6,7 & 8). The Micro-Switches are fixed to the Plate (9) as shown in figure 13.The Internal construction of EOM without the outer covers as shown in figure 13 showing a top plate(01), middle plate(9) and bottom plate (02).In figure 14, the Middle plate assembly with the Middle plate, Actuator cam, Shaft and micro switches is shown below without the cover on the micro switches. The Micro switches are fixed to the middle plate through the screws and Actuator cam is connected to the shaftas shown in figure 15. While the Shaft is free to rotate with respect to its axis. The entire assembly forms an integral part inside the EOM. The set of Micro-switches (5,7) on the right side of the Actuator (from the top view) controls the opening/closing operation of ON1 while the other set of Micro-switches (6,8) on the right side of the Actuator (from the top view) controls the opening/closing operation of ON2.
For ease of understanding, the Actuator is split into 2 parts as NC cam & NO cam and shown in the Images that follow. The NC cam profile for the actuation of Micro-switches 5 & 6 which are termed as NC1 Micro-switch(5) and NC2 Micro-switch (6) whereas the NO cam profile for the actuation of Micro-switches 7 & 8 which are termed as NO1 Micro-switch(7) and NO2 Micro-switch (8).
Fig. 4 shows the top view of the assembly with only the NC cam (2) profile of Actuator and the two Micro-switches (5&6) that it actuates. The other components are hidden for ease of understanding. The Image portrays the assembly when the CO-SD is in OFF condition. In this condition, both the Micro-switches are not actuated and hence the NC contacts of the Micro-switch remain closed. This permits the input signal to be given to EOM to reach either ON1 or ON2 position. When the Input signal is again given to reach OFF position in this condition, the supply to motor of EOM is restricted as the circuitry in the background is routed through the NO contacts of these Micro-switches in series. Since the NO contacts of these Micro-switches are in open condition, the EOM will not respond to OFF signal.
Fig. 5 shows NC1 Micro-switch actuated by the NC cam profile of Actuator through its rotation in clockwise direction. When the input signal ON1 is given to EOM when the CO-SD is in OFF position, the EOM drives the shaft in clockwise direction. The Actuator connected to the shaft also rotates in clockwise direction. After rotating to a particular angle, the Actuator pushes the lever of NC1 Micro-switch and actuates it to open the NC contact which cuts the supply to motor of EOM. The angle at which the Micro-switch is actuated can be modified by the NC cam profile of the Actuator and the position & orientation of the NC1 Micro-switch. The actuation point can be decided as per the requirements of the mechanism of CO-SD. The Image shown is only for illustration purpose.
Since the NC1 Micro-switch remains actuated in ON1 position of CO-SD, the NC contacts remain open as described earlier. This restricts the supply to motor of EOM when the ON1 input signal is given at this instance. The circuitry in the background is routed such that the NC contact of this Micro-switch is in series so that the EOM does not respond to the ON1 input signal when the CO-SD is in ON1 position.
Fig. 6 shows NC2 Micro-switch actuated by the NC cam profile of Actuator through its rotation in Anti-clockwise direction. The operation is similar to Fig. 5 but is in opposite direction. When the input signal ON2 is given to EOM when the CO-SD is in OFF position, the EOM drives the shaft in Anti-clockwise direction. The Actuator connected to the shaft also rotates in Anti-clockwise direction. After rotating to a particular angle, the Actuator pushes the lever of NC2 Micro-switch and actuates it to open the NC contact which cuts the supply to motor of EOM. The Image shown takes in a symmetric arrangement of Micro-switches and Actuator with respect to the central axis of Actuator for simplification but can be varied to suit the requirements of the application.
The explanations given for Fig. 5 above with reference to the variation in actuation point & non-response to the same signal applies here also on the same logic. The only difference being the direction of rotation – Anticlockwise vs. clockwise & position of CO-SD – ON2 vs. ON1.
Fig. 7 shows the top view of the assembly with only the NO cam (3) profile of Actuator and the two Micro-switches (7&8) that it actuates. Similar to Fig. 4, it portrays the assembly when the CO-SD is in OFF condition. The NO cam (3) profile controls only the OFF operation from either ON1 or ON2. Hence, its function starts when the CO-SD is in Position ON1 or ON2 which is described in the images that follow.
Fig. 8 shows NO1 Micro-switch actuated by NO cam profile of Actuator when the CO-SD is in ON1 position. The Image shown is only for illustration purpose as the ON1 position of CO-SD varies as per the construction of the Switch. It can be at any angle as per the product specification/ as specified by the manufacturer. At this Position, the NO contacts of NO1 Micro-switch shown remains closed as the Actuator pushes the Micro-switch lever to keep it actuated. The Background circuitry is routed such that this NO contacts are in series to the supply to motor of EOM which means that the EOM will respond to OFF & ON2 signals but not to ON1 signal as it is limited by NC1 Micro-switch as seen earlier.
Fig. 9 shows the instance at which the NO1 Micro-switch actuation is released by the NO cam profile of Actuator through its rotation in Anti-clockwise direction. When the input signal OFF is given to EOM when the CO-SD is in ON1 position, the EOM drives the shaft & Actuator in Anti-clockwise direction. After covering a particular angle through the rotation, the Actuator releases the lever of NO1 Micro-switch and opens the NO contact which cuts the supply to motor of EOM. Now, the CO-SD comes to OFF position and hence, it will respond to the ON signals as seen earlier. The angle of cut-off can be altered in the same way as in the case of NC cam profile.
Figs. 10 & 11 show casts a similar case as in Figs. 8 & 9 respectively in the ON2 position. The functionality is same as discussed for Image 8 but in the other direction & position of CO-SD.
Direct Changeover Functionality i.e. Operation from Position ON1 to ON2 & vice versa is also achieved through this mechanism. When ON2 input signal is given to EOM at the instance where the CO-SD is in ON1 position, the NO cam functionality described above brings the CO-SD to OFF position and the NC cam functionality takes the CO-SD to ON2 position as the supply to motor of EOM would be limited only by the actuation of NC2 Micro-switch by NC cam profile of Actuator. This makes the ON1 to ON2 changeover operation possible by continuous rotation in Anti-clockwise direction. Similarly, ON2 to ON1 is also achieved through the same sequence in the opposite direction.
Advantages:
· Micro-switches are utilized to perform multiple functions thereby reducing number of Micro-switches used to gain cost advantage.
· Single Actuator that controls the complete operation of EOM enables less linkages & reduced chances of failure.
· Shaft that acts both as driving member and reference for position indication reduces the complexity of control mechanism.
· The same design can be extended to any cut-off points under a rotational function.

a) Highly flexible design that can adapt to varied requirements.
b) Alteration in cut-off points can be done by minor changes.
c) Simple mechanism with Reduced chances of Failure.
d) Multiple functionalities achieved in the Micro-switches. ,CLAIMS:1. An actuator mechanism to control the power supply to electrically operated mechanism for changeover switch, said actuator mechanism comprising;
a driving shaft (4) transmitting the required torque from the electrically operated mechanism to the changeover switch to perform the ON/OFF operation;
one or more micro-switch (5,6,7,8) having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact for controlling the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism;
an actuator (1) having one set of a normally closed cam (2) and other set of a normally open cam (3) projections connected to the driving shaft to actuate the said contacts of the micro-switch (5, 6, 7, 8),
wherein said actuator in combination with said micro-switch controls the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism during ON and OFF operation of said changeover switch.
2. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuator (1) in combination with said micro-switch (5, 6, 7, 8) controls the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism in repetition of the input signal.
3. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the normally closed cam (2) actuates the normally closed contact (s) of the micro-switch(5 & 6) to control the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism in OFF to ON operation of the changeover switch disconnector.

4. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the normally open cam (3) actuates the normally open contact (s) of the micro-switch(es)(7 & 8) to control the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism in ON to OFF operation of the changeover switch disconnector.
5. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said changeover switch disconnector is operated from ON1, OFF and ON2 position.
6. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said micro-switch (5, 6, 7, 8) are connected to a plate (9).
7. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein a set of said micro-switch (5 and 7) control the opening/closing in ON1 operation of the changeover switch disconnector.
8. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein another set of said micro-switch (6 and 8) control the opening/closing in ON2 operation of the changeover switch disconnector.
9. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when said changeover switch disconnector is in OFF position, said normally closed contact (s) of the micro-switch continue in closed condition resulting the input signal to attain either ON1 or ON2 position for operation of the electrically operated mechanism.
10. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein when said input signal is adapted to be provided to electrically operated mechanism to attain OFF position, said normally open contacts (s) continue in open condition and said electrically operated mechanism will not operate in given input signal.
11. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the changeover switch disconnector is in OFF position and ON1 input signal is provided to the electrically operated mechanism results into clockwise rotation of said driving shaft (4) and actuator (1).
12. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 11, said actuator (1) rotating clockwise results in actuation of the micro-switch (5) by the normally closed cam of the actuator at a particular angle resulting in opening of said normally closed (NC) contacts of micro-switch (5) which cut the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism.
13. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 12, wherein when the changeover switch disconnector is in ON1 position and ON1 input signal is provided to the electrically operated mechanism, the micro-switch (5) remain actuated and the normally closed (NC1) contacts of micro-switch (5) remain open.
14. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein the normally closed (NC) contacts of the micro-switch (5) is in series with power supply to the electrically operated mechanism provided that the electrically operated mechanism respond to ON2 or OFF input signal.
15. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when said changeover switch disconnector is in OFF position and ON2 input signal is provided to the electrically operated mechanism which results into anticlockwise rotation of said driving shaft (4) and actuator(1).
16. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 15, wherein anticlockwise rotation of said actuator results in actuation of the micro-switch (6) by the normally closed cam of the actuator(1) at a particular angle resulting in opening said normally closed (NC2) contacts of micro-switch (6) which cut the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism.
17. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 15, wherein when the changeover switch disconnector is in ON2 position and ON2 signal is provided to the electrically operated mechanism, the micro-switch (6) remain actuated and the normally closed (NC12) contacts of micro-switch (6) remain open.
18. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the normally closed (NC) contacts of the micro-switch (6) is in series with power supply to the electrically operated mechanism provided that the electrically operated mechanism respond to ON1 or OFF input signal.
19. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when said changeover switch disconnector is in ON1 position and OFF input signal is provided to the electrically operated mechanism which results into anticlockwise rotation of said driving shaft(4) and actuator(1).
20. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 19, wherein anticlockwise rotation of said actuator (1) results in actuation of the micro-switch (7) by the normally open cam (3) of the actuator (1) at a particular angle resulting in opening the normally open (NO) contacts of the micro-switch (7) which cut the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism and resulting into OFF position of the changeover switch disconnector.
21. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 20, wherein the OFF position of the changeover switch disconnector responds to either ON1 or ON2 input signal.
22. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when said changeover switch disconnector is in ON2 position and OFF input signal is provided to the electrically operated mechanism which results into clockwise rotation of said driving shaft and actuator.
23. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 22, wherein clockwise rotation of said actuator results in actuation of the micro-switch (8) by the normally open cam of the actuator (3) at a particular angle resulting in opening said normally open (NO) contacts of the micro-switch (8) which cut the power supply to the electrically operated mechanism.
24. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the changeover switch disconnector is in ON1 position and ON2 signal is provided to the electrically operated mechanism, the normally open contact of the micro-switch (7) actuated by the normally open cam (3) of the actuator (1) at a particular angle resulting in closing the normally open (NO) contacts of the micro-switch (7).
25. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 24, wherein the normally open (NO) contacts of the micro-switch (7) is in series with power supply to the electrically operated mechanism provided that the electrically operated mechanism respond to ON2 or OFF input signal.
26. The actuator mechanism as claimed in claim 1 to 24, wherein the angle at which micro-switch (5, 6, 7, 8) is actuated is modified by the normally closed cam (2) and the normally open cam (3) and position of the respective micro-switch(5, 6, 7, 8).