ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS HAVING A CRADLE WITH
COMBINED PIVOT AND OVER-TOGGLE REVERSING PIN
Cross Reference to Related Application
This application is related to commonly assigned, concurrently filed:
United States Patent Application Serial No. __/_________, filed May 4,2007,
entitled "ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS, AND YOKE ASSEMBLY
AND SPRING ASSEMBLY THEREFOR" (Attorney Docket No. 07-EDP-132),
which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical switching apparatus operating
mechanism and, more specifically to an electrical switching apparatus operating
mechanism opening assembly having a cradle assembly with a pivot shaft that acts as
a kicker for a toggle assembly.
Background Information
Electrical switching apparatus, typically, include a housing, at least one bus
assembly having a pair of contacts, a trip device, and an operating mechanism. The
housing assembly is structured to insulate and enclose the other components. The at
least one pair of contacts include a fixed contact and a movable contact and typically
include multiple pairs of fixed and movable contacts. Each contact is coupled to, and
in electrical communication with, a conductive bus that is further coupled to, and in
electrical communication with, a line or a load. A trip device is structured to detect an
over-current condition and to actuate the operating mechanism. An operating
mechanism is structured to both open the contacts, either manually or following
actuation by the trip device, and close the contacts.
That is, the operating mechanism includes both a closing assembly and an
opening assembly, which may have common elements, that are structured to move the
movable contact between a first, open position, wherein the contacts are separated,
and a second, closed position, wherein the contacts are coupled and in electrical
communication. The operating mechanism includes a rotatable pole shaft that is
coupled to the movable contact and structured to move each movable contact between
the closed position and the open position. Elements of both the closing assembly and
the opening assembly are coupled to the pole shaft so as to effect the closing and
opening of the contacts.
In the prior art, an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism closing
assembly typically had a stored energy device, such as an closing spring, and at least
one link coupled to the pole shaft. The at least one link, typically, included two links
that acted cooperatively as a toggle assembly. When the contacts were open, the
toggle assembly was in a first, collapsed configuration and, conversely, when the
contacts were closed, the toggle assembly was, typically, in a second, in-line position
or in a slightly over-toggle configuration. The toggle assembly typically moved
through a third configuration, a reset configuration, while the contacts were open and
which was a configuration during the resetting of the operating mechanism prior to
closing the contacts. The opening spring biased the pole shaft to collapse the toggle
assembly. The opening spring and toggle assembly were maintained in the second,
in-line position by the trip device.
The force required to close the contacts was, and is, typically greater than
what a human may apply and, as such, the operating mechanism typically included a
mechanical closing assembly to close the contacts. The closing assembly, typically,
included at least one stored energy device, such as a spring, and/or a motor. Closing
springs typically were about 2 inches in diameter and about 5 to 6 inches in length.
These springs were structured to apply a force of about 1000 pounds. A common
configuration included a motor that compressed one or more springs in the closing
assembly. That is, the closing springs were coupled to a cam roller that engaged a
cam coupled to the motor. As the motor rotated the cam, the closing springs were
compressed or charged.
The toggle assembly also included a cam roller, typically at the toggle joint.
The closing assembly further included one or more cams disposed on a common cam
shaft with the closing spring cam. Alternatively, depending upon the configuration of
the cam, both the closing spring cam roller and the toggle assembly cam roller could
engage the same cam. When the closing springs were released, the closing spring

cam roller applied force to the associated cam and caused the cam shaft to rotate.
That is, the cam roller "operatively engaged" the cam. Rotation of the cam shaft
would also cause the cam associated with the toggle assembly cam roller to rotate. As
the cam associated with the toggle assembly cam roller rotated, the cam caused the
toggle assembly cam roller, and therefore the toggle assembly, to be moved into
selected positions and/or configurations. More specifically, the toggle assembly was
moved so as to rotate the pole shaft into a position wherein the contacts were closed.
Thus, the stored energy from the closing springs was transferred via the cams, cam
shaft, toggle assembly, and pole shaft to the contacts. Alternatively, as set forth in
U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/693,198, filed March 29,2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference, a closing assembly may also utilize a ram assembly
to act upon the toggle assembly. That is, as opposed to a cam moving the toggle
assembly into the second, over-toggle position, a linearly traveling ram acts upon the
toggle assembly at the toggle joint.
The electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism opening assembly is
structured to open the contacts by allowing the pole shaft to rotate. That is, a trip
device included an over-current sensor, a latch assembly and may have included one
or more additional links that were coupled to the toggle assembly. Alternately, the
latch assembly was directly coupled to the toggle assembly. When an over-current
situation occurred, the latch assembly was released allowing the opening spring to
cause the toggle assembly to collapse. When the toggle assembly collapsed, the
toggle assembly link coupled to the pole shaft caused the pole shaft to rotate and
thereby move the movable contacts into the open position. The latch assembly could
also be actuated manually if desired.
The electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism opening assembly is
responsive to the release of the latch assembly and is structured to move the toggle
assembly into the first, collapsed configuration. Typically, the latch assembly
included a latch plate that was structured to rotate or pivot within the housing
assembly. The latch plate included a latch edge that selectively engaged a D-shaft.
When the D-shaft was in a first position, the D-shaft allowed the latch plate to pivot.
When the D-shaft was in a second configuration, the latch plate latch edge engaged

the D-shaft and the latch plate could not rotate. The D-shaft was controlled by the trip
device or by a manual input.
One or more links extended between the latch plate and the toggle assembly.
When the latch plate was held in place by the D-shaft, the motion of the toggle
assembly is controlled by the rotation of the pole shaft and the closing assembly.
When the latch plate is free to pivot, the latch plate, via the links, caused the toggle
assembly to move. Thus, when the trip device, or a manual input, caused the D-shaft
to rotate, the latch plate was free to pivot which in turn caused the toggle assembly to
move from the second, over-toggle configuration to the first, collapsed configuration
thereby allowing the contacts to separate. To reset the operating mechanism opening
assembly prior to the closing of the contacts by the closing assembly, the toggle
assembly typically moved into a reset configuration. In this configuration the
contacts are open, but the D-shaft is reset and the latch plate latch edge re-engages the
D-shaft. Thus, the latch plate is no longer free to rotate and the motion of the toggle
assembly is controlled by the pole shaft and the closing assembly as set forth above.
The operating mechanism opening assembly typically included a stop/kicker
pin. The stop/kicker pin was typically disposed in one of two locations, either on the
link between the latch plate and the toggle assembly or fixed to the housing assembly.
The stop/kicker pin initially stops the motion of the toggle assembly during closing.
That is, the stop/kicker pin, acting in the stop pin capacity, was positioned so that
when the closing assembly moved the toggle assembly through the toggle, the
stop/kicker pin arrested the motion of the toggle assembly in the second, over-toggle
configuration. Typically, without the stop/kicker pin, the toggle assembly would
collapse in a reverse direction. When the latch plate was released, the motion of the
latch plate would cause the link between the latch plate and the toggle assembly to
move toward the toggle assembly or, of the kicker pin was fixed, caused the toggle
assembly to move toward the kicker pin. As the stop/kicker pin was contacting the
toggle assembly and holding the toggle assembly in the second, over-toggle
configuration, the relative motion of the stop/kicker pin toward the toggle assembly
caused the toggle assembly to pass back through the in-line position and, once the
toggle assembly was through the toggle, the toggle assembly could collapse. That is,
the stop/kicker pin caused the toggle assembly to move into the first, collapsed

configuration. Typically, there was some delay in the relative motion of the kicker
pin and the toggle assembly because the stop/kicker pin was typically spaced from the
pivot point of the associated link or the toggle assembly. That is, as the assembly that
moved would initially move with a slow angular velocity about a pivot point that is
distant from the kicker pin. Thus, the time between a release of the latch plate and the
collapse of the toggle assembly was extended. This is a disadvantage as the contacts
are not separated until the toggle is substantially collapsed.
In this configuration, the operating mechanism opening assembly and closing
assembly are disposed adjacent to each other. The closeness of the operating
mechanism opening assembly and closing assembly can create interference problems
that must be addressed. For example, after the closing assembly moves the toggle
assembly into the second, over-toggle configuration, the closing assembly closing
device, e.g. the cam or ram as set forth above, is still disposed immediately adjacent
to the toggle assembly. Under normal operating conditions, the closing assembly
closing device is simply reset, thereby moving the closing assembly closing device
away from the toggle assembly. If, however, an over-current condition occurs
immediately after the closing of the contacts, the closing assembly closing device and
the toggle assembly must be separated so that the toggle assembly may collapse.
Present configurations of the operating mechanism typically cause the closing
assembly closing device to be moved out of the way or allow the toggle assembly
links to be separated. Both of these solutions have disadvantages. An assembly
structured to move the closing assembly closing device away from the toggle
assembly increases charging difficulty. An assembly structured to separate the toggle
links, and subsequently recouple the toggle links adds complexity to the opening
assembly.
There is, therefore, a need for an electrical switching apparatus operating
mechanism opening assembly wherein the kicker pin and the associated pivot point
correspond to each other.
There is a further need for an electrical switching apparatus operating
mechanism opening assembly wherein the toggle assembly is moved away from the
closing assembly closing device rather than having the toggle assembly separate or
having the closing assembly closing device move away from the toggle assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These needs, and others, are met by the present invention which provides for
an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism opening assembly wherein the
toggle assembly stop/kicker pin has been separated into a kicker pin and a stop pin.
By separating the functions of the stop/kicker pin into separate pins, the kicker pin
may now be located at the pivot point of the associated link. Further, the kicker pin
and the stop pin are now disposed upon a cradle as opposed to an elongated link. The
cradle has a faster initial rotation than the links of the prior art. The cradle further
supports one of the toggle assembly links. Thus, rotation of the cradle causes the
toggle assembly to move. The operating mechanism opening assembly is configured
so that, when the associated latch assembly latch plate is released, the cradle rotates so
that the toggle assembly is moved away from the closing assembly closing device.
Thus, as the kicker pin is both the pivot point and the rotation of the cradle is faster,
there is a shorter time between the release of the latch plate and the collapse of the
toggle assembly.
Further, with these improvements, there is a further need for a device that
positions the cradle with respect to the latch plate and that prevents the cradle from
over-rotating relative to the latch plate. That is, a device that limits the motion of the
cradle relative to the latch plate so that the motion of the cradle is controlled during
opening and closing of the contacts. This need is met by a latch plate link having a
rotation stopping assembly. That is, the latch plate assembly includes an over-rotation
pin and the latch plate link has a longitudinal extension that is structured to engage the
over-rotation pin. Thus, as the cradle moves relative to the latch plate, the latch plate
link is also in motion. When the latch plate link longitudinal extension engages the
over-rotation pin, the movement of the cradle relative to the latch plate is limited.
Thus, the motion of the cradle is controlled during opening and closing of the
contacts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following
description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus with a front
cover removed.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the opening assembly with a side plate
removed for clarity.
Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the opening assembly when the contacts
are closed.
Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the opening assembly during opening
when the kicker pin initially engages the toggle assembly.
Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the opening assembly when the contacts
are open, the toggle assembly is in the first, collapsed configuration, and the ram
assembly is discharged.
Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the opening assembly when the contacts
are open, the toggle assembly is in the first, collapsed configuration, and the ram
assembly is charged.
Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the opening assembly when the contacts
are open, the toggle assembly is in the reset configuration, and the ram assembly is
charged.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As used herein, "coupled" means a link between two or more elements,
whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs.
As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are directly in
contact with each other.
As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components so
coupled move as one.
As used herein, "operatively engage" when used in relation to a component
that is directly coupled to a cam means that a force is being applied by that component
to the cam sufficient to cause the cam to rotate.

As used herein, a "pivot point" is a coupling between two or more members
that allows the members to pivot relative to each other. A pivot point may be, but is
not limited to, an opening on each member and a separate rod, wherein the rod
extends through the openings, or, a rod on a first element and an opening on a second
element wherein the first element rod extends through the second element opening.
As used herein, links or members that are "pivotally coupled" to each other are
coupled at a "pivot point."
As used herein, with reference to the kicker pin acting upon the toggle
assembly, and more specifically the kicker pin "causing" the toggle assembly to
collapse, the word "cause" is defined broadly to include accelerating a collapse. That
is, a toggle assembly, especially a toggle assembly that is held in the in-line
configuration, may begin to collapse without contacting a kicker pin. Such a collapse,
however, is slow and contact with a kicker pin substantially increases the speed of the
collapse.
As shown in Figures 1, an electrical switching apparatus 10 includes a housing
assembly 12 defining an enclosed space 14. In Figure 1, the front cover of the
housing assembly 12 is not shown, but it is well known in the art. The electrical
switching apparatus 10 further includes a conductor assembly 20 (shown
schematically) having at least one line terminal 22, at least one line conductor 24, at
least one pair of separable contacts 26, at least one load conductor 28 and at least one
load terminal 30. The at least one pair of separable contacts 26 include a fixed
contact 32 and a movable contact 34. The movable contact 34 is structured to move
between a first, open position, wherein the contacts 32, 34 are separated, and a
second, closed position, wherein the contacts 32, 34 contact each other and are in
electrical communication. The electrical switching apparatus 10 further includes a
trip device 40 and an operating mechanism 50. The operating mechanism 50, which
is discussed in more detail below, is generally structured to move the at least one pair
of separable contacts 26 between the first, open position and the second, closed
position. The trip device 40 is structured to detect an over-current condition and,
upon detecting such a condition, to actuate the operating mechanism 50 to open the at
least one pair of separable contacts 26.

The electrical switching apparatus 10 also includes at least two, and typically a
plurality, of side plates 27. The side plates 27 are disposed within the housing
assembly 12 in a generally parallel orientation. The side plates 27 include a plurality
of openings 29 to which other components may be attached or through which other
components may extend. The openings 29 on two adjacent side plates 27 are
typically aligned. While side plates 27 are the preferred embodiment, it is understood
that the housing assembly 12 may also be adapted to include the required openings
and/or attachment points thereby, effectively, incorporating the side plates 27 into the
housing assembly 12 (not shown).
An electrical switching apparatus 10 may have one or more poles, that is, one
or more pairs of separable contacts 26 each having associated conductors and
terminals. As shown in the figures, the housing assembly 12 includes three chambers
13 A, 13B, 13C each enclosing a pair of separable contacts 26 with each being a pole
for the electrical switching apparatus 10. A three-pole configuration, or a four-pole
configuration having a neutral pole, is well known in the art. The operating
mechanism 50 is structured to control all the pairs of separable contacts 26 within the
electrical switching apparatus 10. Thus, it is understood selected elements of the
operating mechanism 50, such as, but not limited to, the pole shaft 70 (discussed
below) span all three chambers 13 A, 13B, 13C and engage each pair of separable
contacts 26. The following discussion, however, shall not specifically address each
specific pair of separable contacts 26.
As shown in Figure 2, the operating mechanism 50 includes an opening
assembly 52, structured to move the at least one pair of separable contacts 26 from the
second, closed position to the first, open position, and a closing assembly 54,
structured to move the at least one pair of separable contacts 26 from the first, open
position to the second closed position. The opening assembly 52 and the closing
assembly 54 both utilize common components of the operating mechanism 50. The
operation of the closing assembly 54 is set forth in detail in U.S. Patent Application
No. 11/693,198, which has been incorporated by reference. It is noted that the closing
assembly 54 includes a ram 60 structured to engage the toggle joint 94, discussed
below, and move the toggle assembly 80 from a reset position to the closed position.
Thus, in this embodiment the ram 60 is a link driving device 61. It is further noted

that the ram 60 when it is in the discharged position is disposed adjacent to the toggle
assembly 80 and acts as an obstacle to collapse 62 for the toggle assembly 80.
The opening assembly 52 includes a pole shaft 70, a toggle assembly 80, a
cradle assembly 120, and may contain latching assembly 140 having a latch plate
assembly 150 and a latch plate link 170. It is noted that the latching assembly 140
may also be considered to be part of the trip device 40. The pole shaft 70 is an
elongated shaft body 72 rotatably coupled to the housing assembly 12 and/or side
plates 27. The pole shaft 70 includes a plurality of mounting points 74 disposed on
mounting blocks 76 extending from the pole shaft body 72. As shown schematically
in Figure 1, the pole shaft 70 is coupled to the movable contact 34. The pole shaft 70
is structured to move between a first position, wherein the movable contact 34 is in its
first, open position, and a second position, wherein the movable contact 34 is in its
second, closed position. As set forth in concurrently filed United States Patent
Application Serial No. _/_________, entitled "ELECTRICAL SWITCHING
APPARATUS, AND YOKE ASSEMBLY AND SPRING ASSEMBLY
THEREFOR" (Attorney Docket No. 07-EDP-132), one or more closing springs bias
the pole shaft 70 to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow on Figure 3.
It is noted that, as shown in Figure 2, a single component, e.g. a first link 82 in
the toggle assembly 80 may include two, or more, members 82A, 82B with similar
shapes which are held in a spaced relationship and which move in concert. The use of
multiple, separate members 82A, 82B may be used, for example, to provide added
strength to the link 82 or where space considerations do not allow for a single thick
member 82A, 82B. Because these link members 82A, 82B perform the same
function, have a similar shape, and move in concert, the following discussion will
simply identify the link 82 by a single reference number as is shown in the side views
of Figures 4-7. It is understood that the description of such a component applies to
each member 82A, 82B of that component. It is further noted that such components
typically rotate within a single plane. Thus, it is understood that where components
are shown to overlap in Figures 4-7, those components are in different planes. It is
further understood that components that extend perpendicular to the planes of the
various components may contact more than one component. As used herein with
reference to the opening assembly 52, the word "lateral" preceding an element

indicates that such an element extends across the planes of two or more other
elements.
As shown in Figures 3-7, the toggle assembly 80 includes a first link 82 and a
second link 84 which are each generally flat, elongated bodies. The second link 84
body is also curved as set forth below. The first and second links 82, 84 each have a
first, outer end 86, 88 (respectively) and a second, inner end 90, 92 (respectively). A
pivot point is disposed at each of the first and second links first, outer ends 86, 88 and
second, inner ends 90, 92. The first link 82 and the second link 84 are pivotally
coupled together at the first link second, inner end 90 and the second link second,
inner end 92 by a toggle joint 94. In this configuration, the first and second links 82,
84 form a toggle joint 94. The toggle joint 94 may include a toggle roller 98. That is,
the toggle joint 94 may include a pin 100 extending generally perpendicular to the
plane of each link 82, 84. The pin 100 may also define an axle for the toggle roller 98
which is, essentially, a wheel. The toggle roller 98 has a diameter of sufficient size to
extend past the edges of the first and second links 82, 84.
The cradle assembly 120 includes an elongated body 122, a lateral pivot shaft
124, and a lateral stop pin 126. The cradle assembly body 122 has a first link pivot
point 128. The cradle assembly body 122 is coupled to the cradle assembly lateral
pivot shaft 124. The cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124 is disposed between, and
rotatably coupled to the hosing assembly side plates 27. Thus, the cradle assembly
body 122 may pivot about a fixed axis which is the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft
124. The lateral stop pin 126 is disposed generally between the cradle assembly
lateral pivot shaft 124 and the first link pivot point 128. The cradle assembly body
122 preferably includes an offset portion 130 having a latch plate link pivot point 132.
The latch plate assembly 150 includes a body 152 and a lateral pivot shaft 154.
The latch plate assembly body 152 has a latch edge 153, a latch plate link pivot point
156, and a lateral over rotation pin 158. The latch plate assembly body 152 is coupled
to the latch plate assembly lateral pivot shaft 154. The latch plate assembly lateral
pivot shaft 154 is disposed between, and rotatably coupled to the hosing assembly
side plates 27. Thus, the latch plate assembly body 152 may pivot about a fixed axis
which is the latch plate assembly lateral pivot shaft 154. The lateral over rotation pin
158 is disposed, generally, between the latch plate assembly lateral pivot shaft 154

and the latch plate assembly body latch plate link pivot point 156. The latch plate
assembly body latch edge 153 is structured to engage a D-shaft 160 or similar device
that is part of the operating mechanism 50. Details of the D-shaft 160 and its
operation are set forth in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/737,219 which is
incorporated herein by reference. For the purpose of this application it is noted that
the D-shaft 160 is structured to selectively rotate between a first position and a second
position.
The latch plate link 170 has an elongated body 172 with a first pivot point 174,
a second pivot point 176 and a longitudinal extension 178. The longitudinal extension
178 extends generally longitudinally outwardly beyond the latch plate link body first
pivot point 174- The longitudinal extension 178 is structured to engage the latch plate
assembly over rotation pin 158.
The opening assembly 52 is assembled as follows. It is noted that the pole
shaft 70, the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124 and the latch plate assembly
lateral pivot shaft 154 are the three components that are rotatably coupled to the
housing assembly side plates 27 and, as such, these three shafts 70,124, 154 are the
pivot points that do not move relative to the housing assembly 12. The pole shaft 70,
as noted above, is rotatably coupled to the housing assembly side plates 27. The
second link 84 is coupled to the pole shaft 70 and, more specifically, the second link
first, outer end 88 is pivotally coupled to a pole shaft mounting points 74. As the pole
shaft mounting points 74 are offset from the pole shaft 70 axis, rotation of the pole
shaft 70 causes the second link first, outer end 88 to move through an arc. As noted
above, the first link 82 and the second link 84 are pivotally coupled to each other at
the toggle joint 94. The first link 82 is coupled to the cradle assembly body 122. That
is, the first link, first outer end 86 is pivotally coupled to the cradle assembly body
first link pivot point 128. As the cradle assembly body first link pivot point 128 is
spaced from the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124, as the cradle assembly body
122 pivots, the cradle assembly body first link pivot point 128 also moves through an
arc. It is noted that, as shown on Figure 2, a pin 1 may extend through multiple
members 82A, 82B and extend to the side plate 27. As this pin 1 must move through
an arc, the side plate opening 29 associated therewith is an arcuate opening.

The latch plate link second pivot point 176 is pivotally coupled to the cradle
assembly body latch plate link pivot point 132. The latch plate link first pivot point
174 is pivotally coupled to the latch plate assembly body latch plate link pivot point
156. The latch plate link longitudinal extension 178 extends adjacent to, and is
structured to engage, the lateral over rotation pin 158.
The toggle assembly 80 is structured to move between a first, collapsed
configuration (Fig. 5), a reset configuration (Fig. 7), and a second, slightly over-
toggle configuration (Fig. 3). In the over-toggle configuration, the toggle assembly
80 is typically between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees past toggle and, preferably
about 10 degrees past toggle. In the first, collapsed configuration, the first and
second link outer ends 86, 88 are generally closer together than when the toggle
assembly 80 is in the second, over-toggle configuration. In the reset configuration,
the first and second link outer ends 86, 88 are much closer together causing the toggle
joint 94 to be offset toward the ram 60 as shown in Figure 7. The cradle assembly
body 122 and the latch plate assembly body 152 are each structured to move between
a first position and a second position as set forth below.
The opening assembly 52 operates as follows. As shown in Figure 3, the
opening assembly 52 and the ram 60 are in their respective positions that immediately
follow a discharge of the closing assembly 54 as set forth in U.S. Patent Application
No. 11/693,198. That is, the pole shaft 70 is in the second position, meaning that the
contacts 26 are closed, and the toggle assembly 80 is in the second, over-toggle
configuration. The cradle assembly body 122 is also in a second position wherein the
lateral stop pin 126 is contacting the toggle assembly first link 82 adjacent to the
toggle joint 94. The lateral stop pin 126 is the object that prevents the toggle
assembly 80 from moving too far over-toggle. It is further noted that the cradle
assembly lateral pivot shaft 124 is adjacent to, but not contacting the second link 84.
The latch plate assembly body 152 is also in its second position wherein the latch
plate assembly body latch edge 153 engages the D-shaft 160. D-shaft 160 is in its
second position wherein the D-shaft 160 extends into the path of travel of the latch
plate assembly body 152. When the latch plate assembly body 152 contacts the D-
shaft 160, the latch plate assembly body 152 cannot move into the first position. The
bias of the closing springs on the pole shaft 70 further biases, via the various linkages

disclosed herein, the latch plate assembly body 152 to the first position. Thus, it is the
latch plate assembly body 152 contact with the D-shaft 160 that prevents the opening
assembly 52 from moving and allowing the contacts 26 to open.
The latch plate link 170 extends between the latch plate assembly body 152
and the cradle assembly body 122. It is noted that the latch plate link longitudinal
extension 178 engages the latch plate assembly over rotation pin 158 in the reset
position, described below. Further, the latch plate assembly lateral pivot shaft 154,
the latch plate link first pivot point 174, and the latch plate link second pivot point
176 are disposed generally along a line. This is desirable as the contact load is
minimized. The "contact load" is the force applied by the latch plate assembly body
152 on the D-shaft 160. A minimal load is desirable as the actual contact area
between the latch plate assembly body 152 and the D-shaft 160 is small. Further a
minimal load reduces the force required to release the D-shaft 160. It is further noted
that, as shown, the ram 60 is in a forward, discharged position.
When an opening of the contacts 26 is initiated, for example, but not limited
to, following an over-current condition trip or a manual opening, the D-shaft 160
rotates to a second position wherein the D-shaft 160 does not extend into the path of
travel of the latch plate assembly body 152. As shown in Figure 4, the latch plate
assembly body latch edge 153 has moved past the D-shaft 160 and the latch plate
assembly body 152 is pivoting clockwise as shown in the figures. As the latch plate
assembly body 152 pivots, the latch plate link first pivot point 174 is moved
clockwise as well. This motion is transferred via the latch plate link 170 to the cradle
assembly body 122 causing the cradle assembly body 122 to move counter-clockwise
about the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124. At this point in time, the pole shaft
70 is not rotating, or rotating minimally, as the toggle assembly 80 is still in the over-
toggle configuration. Thus, as the cradle assembly body 122 moves counter-
clockwise about the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124, the toggle assembly 80,
and more specifically the toggle assembly first link 82 which is coupled to the cradle
assembly body first link pivot point 128, also moves counter-clockwise.
The counter-clockwise motion of the toggle assembly 80 has two specific
results. First, as the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124 does not change position,
the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124 being the axis of rotation for the cradle

assembly body 122, the toggle assembly 80 is moved toward the cradle assembly
lateral pivot shaft 124. As shown in Figure 4, the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft
124 contacts the toggle assembly second link 84 adjacent to the toggle joint 94. As
the toggle assembly 80 continues to move toward the cradle assembly lateral pivot
shaft 124, the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124 causes the toggle assembly 80 to
move back through the in-line position from the over-toggle configuration. Thus, the
cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124 acts as a kicker pin 200.
Further, as the toggle assembly first link 82 continues to move counter-
clockwise with the cradle assembly body first link pivot point 128, the toggle
assembly 80 and the toggle joint 94 are being pulled away from the ram 60. Thus,
when the toggle assembly 80 passes through the toggle point and the toggle assembly
80 collapses into the first, collapsed configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the toggle
assembly 80 and the toggle joint 94 are moved away from the ram 60 which is an
obstacle to collapse 62 for the toggle assembly 80. Further, the second link 84 is a
curved body 85 structured to curve around the obstacle to collapse 62 when the toggle
assembly 80 is in the first configuration. In this manner, the toggle assembly 80 may
be collapsed without having to move the obstacle to collapse 62 which, as noted
above, is typically the closing assembly 54 closing device.
Once the toggle assembly 80 passes through the toggle point and the toggle
assembly 80 is collapsing into the first, collapsed configuration, the bias of the closing
springs on the pole shaft 70 cause the pole shaft 70 to move into its first position
wherein the contacts 26 are open. Further, in this configuration the cradle assembly
body 122 and the latch plate assembly body 152 are each in their respective first
positions.
Prior to closing the contacts 26 using the closing assembly 54, the opening
assembly 52 must be reset. Initially, the closing assembly 54 closing device, which as
shown is the ram 60, must be moved. Typically, this is accomplished by charging the
closing assembly 54 and is shown in Figure 6. Then, as shown in Figure 7, the latch
plate assembly body 152 is returned to its second position by rotating counter-
clockwise about the latch plate assembly lateral pivot shaft 154. As before, the motion
of the latch plate assembly body 152 is transferred via the latch plate link 170 to the
cradle assembly body 122 causing the cradle assembly body 122 to move clockwise
about the cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft 124. As the pole shaft 70 is maintained
in its position by the bias of the opening springs, the motion of the cradle assembly
body 122 causes the toggle assembly 80 to move into the reset configuration. As
noted above, when the toggle assembly 80 is in the reset configuration, the toggle
joint 94 is offset toward the ram 60. Further, as part of the reset operation, the D-shaft
160 is returned to its second position wherein the D-shaft 160 extends into the path of
travel of the latch plate assembly body 152. It is also noted that, in this configuration,
the latch plate link longitudinal extension 178 is structured to engage the latch plate
assembly body over rotation pin 158 and prevent over-rotation of the cradle assembly
body 122 relative to the latch plate assembly body 152 and stops the motion of the
latch plate assembly body 152 relative to the cradle assembly body 122. Finally, from
this configuration, the contacts 26 are closed, and the opening assembly 52 is returned
to the configuration shown in Figure 3, by actuating the closing assembly 54 as
detailed in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/693,198.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and
alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be
illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the
full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
What is Claimed is:
1. An operating mechanism opening assembly (52) for an electrical
switching apparatus (10), said electrical switching apparatus (10) having a housing
assembly (12) and at least one pair of contacts (26) having a fixed contact (32) and a
movable contact (34) disposed in said housing assembly (12), said movable contact
(34) structured to move between a first, open position, wherein said contacts (26) are
separated, and a second, closed position, wherein said contacts (26) contact each other
and are in electrical communication, said operating mechanism closing assembly (52)
comprising:
a pole shaft (70) rotatably disposed in said housing assembly (12) and coupled
to said at least one pair of contacts (26), wherein said pole shaft (70) rotates between a
first position, wherein said movable contact (34) is in said first, open position and a
second position, wherein said movable contact (34) is in said second, closed position;
a toggle assembly having first link (82) and a second link (84), each link (82,
84) having a first, outer end (86, 88) and a second, inner end (90, 92), each link first,
outer end (86, 88) having a pivot point (128) and each link second, inner end (90, 92)
having a pivot point (128);
said first link (82) and a second link (84) pivotally coupled together at said
first link inner end (90) and said second link inner end (92) thereby forming a toggle
joint (94), said toggle joint (94) structured to move between a first, collapsed
configuration, a second, over-toggle configuration, and a third reset/collapsed
configuration;
said toggle assembly second link second end (92) being pivotally coupled to
said pole shaft (70) wherein when said toggle assembly (80) is in said first, collapsed
configuration, said pole shaft (70) is in said first position, and when said toggle
assembly (80) is in said second, over-toggle configuration said pole shaft (70) is in
said second position;
a cradle assembly (120) having an elongated body (122) with a first link pivot
point (128) and a lateral pivot shaft (124), said cradle assembly body (122) being
coupled to said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124);
said toggle assembly first link (82) pivotally coupled to said cradle assembly
(120) at said first link pivot point (128);
said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) rotatably coupled to said housing
assembly (12) wherein said cradle assembly body (122) is structured to move between
a first position and a second position; and
wherein said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) is structured to act as a
kicker pin (200) causing said toggle assembly (80) to move from said second, over-
toggle configuration to said first, collapsed configuration as said cradle assembly
body (122) moves from said second position to said first position.
2. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 1 wherein:
said cradle assembly (120) includes a lateral stop pin (126);
said lateral stop pin (126) fixed to said cradle assembly body (122) and
disposed generally between said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) and said
first link pivot point (128); and
said lateral stop pin (126) structured to engage said toggle joint (94) when said
toggle assembly (80) is in second, over-toggle configuration.
3. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 2 wherein
said lateral stop pin (126) does not act as a kicker pin (200).
4. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 3 wherein
said electrical switching apparatus (10) includes a closing assembly (54), said closing
assembly (54) having a link driving device (61), said link driving device (61)
structured to move said toggle assembly (80) from said third, reset configuration to
said second, over-toggle configuration, said link driving device (61) being in a first
position when said toggle assembly (80) is in said third, reset configuration and said
link driving device (61) being in a second position when said toggle assembly (80) is
moved into said second, over-toggle configuration, wherein when said link driving
device (61) is in said second position, said link driving device (61) is in the path of
travel of said toggle joint (94) and is an obstacle to collapse (62), and wherein:
as said cradle assembly body (122) moves from said second position to said
first position, said first link pivot point (128) and said toggle joint (94) are moved
away from said obstacle to collapse (62).
5. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 4 wherein:
said toggle assembly second link (84) has an elongated, curved body (85); and
said toggle assembly second link curved body (85) structured to curve around
said obstacle to collapse (62) when said toggle assembly (80) is in said first
configuration.
6. An operating mechanism opening assembly (52) for an electrical
switching apparatus (10), said electrical switching apparatus (10) having a housing
assembly (12) and at least one pair of contacts (26) having a fixed contact (32) and a
movable contact (34) disposed in said housing assembly (12), said movable contact
(34) structured to move between a first, open position, wherein said contacts (26) are
separated, and a second, closed position, wherein said contacts (26) contact each other
and are in electrical communication, said electrical switching apparatus (10) further
including a closing assembly (54), said closing assembly (54) having a link driving
device (61), said link driving device (61) structured to move said toggle assembly (80)
from said third, reset configuration to said second, over-toggle configuration, said link
driving device (61) being in a first position when said toggle assembly (80) is in said
third, reset configuration and said link driving device (61) being in a second position
when said toggle assembly (80) is moved into said second, over-toggle configuration,
wherein when said link driving device (61) is in said second position, said link driving
device (61) is in the path of travel of said toggle joint (94) and is an obstacle to
collapse (62), said operating mechanism closing assembly (52) comprising:
a pole shaft (70) rotatably disposed in said housing assembly (12) and coupled
to said at least one pair of contacts (26), wherein said pole shaft (70) rotates between a
first position, wherein said movable contact (34) is in said first, open position and a
second position, wherein said movable contact (34) is in said second, closed position;
a toggle assembly (80) having first link (82) and a second link (84), each link
(82, 84) having a first, outer end (86, 88) and a second, inner end (90, 92), each link
first, outer end (86, 88) having a pivot point (128) and each link second, inner end
(90, 92) having a pivot point (128);
said first link (82) and a second link (84) pivotally coupled together at said
first link inner end (90) and said second link inner end (92) thereby forming a toggle
joint (94), said toggle joint (94) structured to move between a first, collapsed
configuration, a second, over-toggle configuration, and a third reset/collapsed
configuration;
said toggle assembly second link outer end (88) being pivotally coupled to
said pole shaft (70) wherein when said toggle assembly (80) is in said first, collapsed
configuration, said pole shaft (70) is in said first position, and when said toggle
assembly (80) is in said second, over-toggle configuration said pole shaft (70) is in
said second position;
a cradle assembly (120) having an elongated body (122) with a first link pivot
point (128) and a lateral pivot shaft (124), said cradle assembly body (122) being
coupled to said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124);
said toggle assembly first link (82) pivotally coupled to said cradle assembly
(120) at said first link pivot point (128); and
said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) rotatably coupled to said housing
assembly (12) wherein said cradle assembly body (122) is structured to move between
a first position and a second position and wherein as said cradle assembly body (122)
moves from said second position to said first position, said first link pivot point (128)
and said toggle joint (94) are moved away from said obstacle to collapse (62).
7. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 6 wherein:
said toggle assembly second link (84) has an elongated, curved body (85); and
said toggle assembly second link curved body (85) structured to curve around
said obstacle to collapse (62) when said toggle assembly (80) is in said first
configuration.
8. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 7 wherein
said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) is structured to act as a kicker pin (200)
causing said toggle assembly (80) to move from said second, over-toggle
configuration to said first, collapsed configuration as said cradle assembly body (122)
moves from said second position to said first position.
9. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 8 wherein:
said cradle assembly (120) includes a lateral stop pin (126);
said lateral stop pin (126) fixed to said cradle assembly body (122) and
disposed generally between said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (125) and said
first link pivot point (128); and
said lateral stop pin (126) structured to engage said toggle joint (94) when said
toggle assembly (80) is in second, over-toggle configuration.
10. A cradle assembly (120) within an operating mechanism opening
assembly (52) for an electrical switching apparatus (10), said operating mechanism
opening assembly (52) having a toggle assembly (80) structured to move between a
first, collapsed configuration and a second, over-toggle configuration, said cradle
assembly (120) comprising:
an elongated body (122) with a first link pivot point (128) and a lateral pivot
shaft (124), said cradle assembly body (122) being coupled to said cradle assembly
lateral pivot shaft (124); and
wherein said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) is structured to act as a
kicker pin (200) causing said toggle assembly (80) to move from said second, over-
toggle configuration to said first, collapsed configuration.
11. The cradle assembly (120) of Claim 6 wherein:
said cradle assembly (120) includes a lateral stop pin (126);
said lateral stop pin (126) fixed to said cradle assembly body (122) and
disposed generally between said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) and said
first link pivot point (128); and
said lateral stop pin (126) structured to engage said toggle assembly (80) when
said toggle assembly (80) is in second, over-toggle configuration.
12. An operating mechanism opening assembly (52) for an electrical
switching apparatus (10), said electrical switching apparatus (10) having a housing
assembly (12) and at least one pair of contacts (26) having a fixed contact (32) and a
movable contact (34) disposed in said housing assembly (12), said movable contact
(34) structured to move between a first, open position, wherein said contacts (26) are
separated, and a second, closed position, wherein said contacts (26) contact each other
and are in electrical communication, said electrical switching apparatus (10) further
including a D-shaft (160) structured to selectively rotate between a first position and a
second position, said operating mechanism closing assembly (52) comprising:
a pole shaft (70) rotatably disposed in said housing assembly (12) and coupled
to said at least one pair of contacts (26), wherein said pole shaft (70) rotates between a
first position, wherein said movable contact (34) is in said first, open position and a
second position, wherein said movable contact (34) is in said second, closed position;
a toggle assembly (80) having first link (82) and a second link (84), each link
(82, 84) having a first, outer end (86, 88) and a second, inner end (90, 92), each link
first, outer end (86, 88) having a pivot point (128) and each link second, inner end
(90, 92) having a pivot point (128);
said first link (82) and a second link (84) pivotally coupled together at said
first link inner end (86) and said second link inner end (88) thereby forming a toggle
joint (94), said toggle joint (94) structured to move between a first, collapsed
configuration, a second, over-toggle configuration, and a third reset/collapsed
configuration;
said toggle assembly second link outer end (88) being pivotally coupled to
said pole shaft (70) wherein when said toggle assembly (80) is in said first, collapsed
configuration, said pole shaft (70) is in said first position, and when said toggle
assembly (80) is in said second, over-toggle configuration said pole shaft (70) is in
said second position;
a cradle assembly (120) having an elongated body (122) with a first link pivot
point (128), a latch plate link pivot point (156) and a lateral pivot shaft (154), said
cradle assembly body (122) being coupled to said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft
(124);
said toggle assembly first link (82) pivotally coupled to said cradle assembly
(120) at said first link pivot point (128);
said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) rotatably coupled to said housing
assembly (12) wherein said cradle assembly body (122) is structured to move between
a first position and a second position;
a latch plate assembly (150) having a body (152) and a lateral pivot shaft
(154), said latch plate assembly body (152) having a latch edge (153), a latch plate
link pivot point (156), and a lateral over rotation pin (158), and, said latch plate
assembly body (152) being coupled to said latch plate assembly lateral pivot shaft
(154);
said latch plate assembly latch edge (153) structured to engage said D-shaft
(160) when said D-shaft (160) is in said second position;
said latch plate lateral pivot shaft (154) rotatably coupled to said housing
assembly (12) wherein said latch plate assembly body (152) is structured to move
between a first position, when said latch plate assembly latch edge (153) does not
engage said D-shaft (160), and a second position, wherein said latch plate assembly
latch edge (153) engages said D-shaft (160) and wherein said latch plate assembly
body (152) is not free to rotate;
a latch plate link (170) having an elongated body (172) with a first pivot point
(174), a second pivot point (176) and a longitudinal extension (178), said longitudinal
extension (178) extending generally longitudinally outwardly beyond said first pivot
point (174);
said latch plate link first pivot point (174) pivotally coupled to said latch plate
assembly body latch plate link pivot point, with said latch plate link longitudinal
extension (178) extending adjacent to, and structured to engage, said latch plate
assembly body over rotation pin (158);
said latch plate link (170) is pivotally coupled to said cradle assembly body
(122) latch plate link pivot point (132); and
wherein, said latch plate link longitudinal extension (178) is structured to
engage said latch plate assembly body over rotation pin (158) when said latch plate
assembly body (172) is in said second position and said cradle assembly body (122) is
in said second position.
13. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 12 wherein
said latch plate link longitudinal extension (178) is structured to engage said latch
plate assembly body over rotation pin (158) and prevent over-rotation of said cradle
assembly body (122) relative to said latch plate assembly body (152) when said toggle
assembly (80) is in said reset configuration.
14. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 12 wherein
said latch plate link longitudinal extension (178) is structured to engage said latch
plate assembly body over rotation pin (158) when said latch plate assembly lateral
pivot shaft (154), said latch plate link first pivot point (174), and said latch plate link
second pivot point (176) are disposed generally along a line.
15. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 14 wherein
said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) is structured to act as a kicker pin (200)
causing said toggle assembly (80) to move from said second, over-toggle
configuration to said first, collapsed configuration as said cradle assembly body (122)
moves from said second position to said first position.
16. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 15 wherein:
said cradle assembly (120) includes a lateral stop pin (126);
said lateral stop pin (126) fixed to said cradle assembly body (122) and
disposed generally between said cradle assembly lateral pivot shaft (124) and said
first link pivot point (174); and
said lateral stop pin (126) structured to engage said toggle joint (94) when said
toggle assembly (80) is in second, over-toggle configuration.
17. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 14 wherein
said electrical switching apparatus (10) includes a closing assembly (54), said closing
assembly (54) having a link driving device (61), said link driving device (61)
structured to move said toggle assembly (80) from said third, reset configuration to
said second, over-toggle configuration, said link driving device (61) being in a first
position when said toggle assembly (80) is in said third, reset configuration and said
link driving device (61) being in a second position when said toggle assembly (80) is
moved into said second, over-toggle configuration, wherein when said link driving
device (61) is in said second position, said link driving device (61) is in the path of
travel of said toggle joint (94) and is an obstacle to collapse (62), and wherein:
as said cradle assembly body (122) moves from said second position to said
first position, said first link pivot point (174) and said toggle joint (94) are moved
away from said obstacle to collapse (62).
18. The operating mechanism opening assembly (52) of Claim 17 wherein:
said toggle assembly second link (84) has an elongated, curved body (85); and
said toggle assembly second link curved body (85) structured to curve around
said obstacle to collapse (62) when said toggle assembly (80) is in said first
configuration.
19. A latch plate assembly (150) for an electrical switching apparatus
operating mechanism opening assembly (52) comprising:
a body (152) with a latch edge (153) and a latch plate link pivot point (156), a
lateral over rotation pin (158);
a lateral pivot shaft (154); and
said body (152) being coupled to said lateral pivot shaft (154).
20. The latch plate assembly (150) of claim 19 wherein said lateral over
rotation pin (158) coupled to said body (152) adjacent to said latch plate link pivot
point (156).

The present invention provides for an electrical switching apparatus
operating mechanism opening assembly wherein the toggle assembly
stop/kicker pin has been separated into a kicker pin and a stop pin. By
separating the functions of the stop/kicker pin into separate pins, the
kicker pin may now be located at the pivot point of the associated link.
Further, the kicker pin and the stop pin are now disposed upon a cradle
assembly as opposed to an elongated link. The cradle assembly further
supports one of the toggle assembly links. Thus, rotation of the cradle
assembly causes the toggle assembly to move. The operating mechanism
opening assembly is configured so that, when an associated latch
assembly latch plate assembly is released, the cradle assembly rotates so
that the toggle assembly is moved away from a closing assembly closing
device.