AN ELECTRICAL SWITCH MECHANISM AND AN ACTUATOR
THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to electrical switches and more particularly, embodiments of the invention relates to an actuator for electrical contact system in an electrical switch.
PRIOR ART [0002] Electrical switches have a wide range of application including automobiles, electrical circuits. They are typically non-compact and involve intricate assembly of a large number of components. The invention relates to a simple mechanism assembly with a fewer number of components.
[0003] Typically the switches have ON and OFF positions and means to indicate them via an auxiliary contact mechanism. There is also an option to simulate the ON condition even when the switching mechanism is in OFF state. There are methods known in the prior art which achieve the said simulation through the rotation of an actuating handle. However, the designs of such switches are complicated and expensive. Also, there is a risk of false indication being provided during the operation of the mechanism. Hence there is a need for providing an optional simulation mechanism that does not involve the actuating handle. Further there is also a need for providing an interlocking mechanism to prevent any false indication to the user during the operation of the mechanism. [0004] Thus there is a need for a switching mechanism that achieves simulation through a test switch rather than through an actuating handle. Further, the said mechanism should be capable of providing an interlocking mechanism to prevent false indication. The switch incorporating this switching mechanism should be simple to design and less expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an electrical switch mechanism capable of performing the operations of a regular switch. It is also an object of the invention to provide an indication and simulation of mechanism state along with regular switching mechanism.
[0006] It is also an object to the invention to provide a compact housing device, which utilizes the switch with the said electrical switch mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present
invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the
invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to various
embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be
noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 1 shows the assembled view of an electrical switching mechanism
According to an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] Figure 2 shows the exploded view of the embodiment
[0010] Figure 3 depicts the OFF state of the switching system
[0011] Figure 4 depicts the state of the switching system according to an
embodiment of the invention just after crossing the dead centre.
[0012] Figure 5 represents the ON state of an electrical switching mechanism
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] Figure 6 shows the actuation of the auxiliary contact block.
[0014] Figures 7a, 7b and 7c represents the OFF, Dead Centre and ON positions of
the actuator mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0015] The invention provides an electrical switch mechanism capable of performing the operations of a regular switch. The invention also provides an indication and simulation option along with regular switching mechanism. [0016] Various embodiments of the invention provides a compact housing device that utilizes the said electrical switching mechanism.
[0017] Figure 1 shows the assembled view of an embodiment of the invention as described in detail herein. The driving shaft (2) is used to connect the actuator mechanism and the handle. The shaft (2) is secured inside the housing with the aid of a plug (14).The critical components of the flipping mechanism include the driving shaft (2) with a preset delay to trigger torque transfer after rotating a predetermined angle about its axis, to a cam (4) which is coaxial. The housing (1) also has provision to accept a Test Button (10) and an auxiliary switch(ll) to simulate ON/OFF positions of the current interrupter. The toggling division consists of a spring arrangement (6) inside an enclosure (7) which is flippable with a pin to guide it(5). The embodiment also has a provision for interrupting the current passing through it. This is achieved with the aid of fixed contacts (8) and a movable contact (9) housed inside the cam (4).
[0018] Figure 2 shows the exploded view of an embodiment of the invention. [0019] Figure 3 depicts the OFF state of the system under discussion. The enclosure is in the lower position. The spring is in normal state with the guide located along its axis. The moving contact (9) is midway between the fixed contacts ensuring maximum isolation distance.
[0020] Figure 4 shows the state of the system under discussion, just after crossing the dead centre. The spring is in compressed state and the moving contacts are closer to the fixed contacts.
[0021] Figure 5 represents the ON state of the system under discussion. The enclosure is in the upper position. The spring is in normal state with the guide located along its axis. The moving contact (9) is between the arms of the fixed contacts ensuring maximum contact.

[0022] Figure 6 shows the actuation of the auxiliary contact block. This is achieved via the actuation of the test button as well as through the rotation of the actuation shaft (2). When the test button is actuated the sliding arm (10a) moves and touches the actuator (11a). The actuator moves up and activates the auxiliary contact block. Alternatively when the cam protrusion (3a) touches the actuator (1 la) it moves up and actuates the auxiliary contacts. Simultaneous actuation by both the test button arm (10a) and cam (3) is prevented by the trappable nature of the test button provided. When the shaft is turned to switch ON the unit, the protrusion on the shaft (2a) slides over the trip arm (10b) pushing it downward thereby tripping the test button followed by the arm receding to its normal position. [0023] Figure 7a, 7b and 7c represents the OFF, Dead Centre and ON positions of the mechanism described herein
[0024] Thus, the invention as described in detail herein and as illustrated by diagrams provides an electrical switching mechanism that achieves simulation through a test switch rather than through an actuating handle. Further, the said mechanism provides an interlocking mechanism to prevent false indication. The switch incorporating this switching mechanism is simple to design and less expensive.
[0025] The foregoing description of the invention has been set for merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

We claim:
1. An electrical switching mechanism comprising of a driving shaft to connect
the actuator mechanism and/or a handle; a preset delay to trigger torque
transfer to a coaxial cam after rotating at a predetermined angle about its
own axis; a test Button and/or an auxiliary switch to simulate ON/OFF
positions of the current interrupter; a toggling division comprising of a
spring arrangement with a pin to guide the said spring.
2. An electrical switching mechanism of claim 1, wherein the said mechanism
also has means for interrupting the current and further wherein the said
interruption is achieved with the aid of at least one pair of a fixed contact
and a movable contact housed inside said cam.
3. An electrical switching mechanism of claim 1, wherein the said actuation
of said auxiliary contact block is achieved by the actuation of the test
button and concurrent rotation of said actuation shaft
4. An electrical switching mechanism of claim 1, further wherein the said test
button is actuated by movement of said sliding arm to achieve contact with
said actuator.
5. An electrical switching mechanism of claim 1, wherein simultaneous
actuation by both said test button arm and said cam is prevented by said
protrusion on the said shaft sliding over said trip arm to achieve tripping of
said test button.
6. An electrical switching mechanism of claim 1, wherein said mechanism has
means provided to achieve interlock and further wherein such said interlock
achieves correct indication of said state of mechanism.