Claims:1. A position indicator apparatus for closed-door withdrawable module (10), comprising:
a fixed tray (12) having a first base portion (12a) accommodating a withdrawable module (10) and a second based portion (12b) accommodating a cam profile component (14) mounted thereupon;

a module base portion of the withdrawable module (10) on which a lever component (16) is mounted thereupon where the lever component (16) lies intermediate the first base portion (12a) and the second base portion (12b);

a follower pin (18) affixed to the lever component (16) wherein the follower pin (18) is in communication with the cam profile component (14);

wherein a horizontal plane movement of the withdrawable module (10) on the first base portion (12a) of the fixed tray (12) causes rotation of the lever component (16) resulting in the follower pin (18) affixed to the rotating lever (16) to be guided within a cam profile (14a) engraved in the cam profile component (14);

wherein position of the follower pin (18) within the cam profile (14a) is indicative of an operative position of the withdrawable module (10).

2. The position indicator apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rotating lever (18) causes a match between one of indicator label areas (22) provided on the withdrawable module and a cutout (20) provided on a door of a panel, the panel accommodating the withdrawable module (10) placed upon the fixed tray (12) on which the withdrawable module (10) moves.

3. The position indicator apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein when the withdrawable module (10) is in an isolated position, the follower pin (18) is guided to enter into the cam profile (14a) through an entry chamfer provided on the cam profile component (14) such that the indicator label area (22) corresponding to the isolated position matches the cutout (20) provided on the door.

4. The position indicator apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein when the withdrawable module (10) is in a test position, the follower pin (18) is guided further along the cam profile (14a) to reach a first position such that the indicator label area (22) corresponding to the test position matches the cutout (20) provided on the door.

5. The position indicator apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein when the withdrawable module (10) is in a service position, the follower pin (18) is guided further along the cam profile (14a) to reach a second position provided on the cam profile component (14) such that the indicator label area (22) corresponding to the service position matches the cutout (20) provided on the door.

6. The position indicator apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein when the withdrawable module (10) passes the isolated position and has not yet reached a test position, the lever (16) does not rotate causing a match between one of gray label areas (23) provided on the withdrawable module and the cutout (20) provided on the door.

7. The position indicator apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the withdrawable module passes the test position and has not yet reached a service position, the lever (22) does not rotate causing a match between one of gray label areas (23) provided on the withdrawable module and the cutout (20) provided on the door.

8. A panel board comprising:
a fixed tray (12);
a chassis frame (10a) accommodating a withdrawable module (10) on the fixed tray (12);
a closing door;
wherein in a closed door position:
the fixed tray having a first base portion accommodating the withdrawable module and a second based portion accommodating a cam profile component mounted thereupon;

a module base portion of the withdrawable module on which a lever component is mounted thereupon where the lever component lies intermediate the first base portion and the second base portion of the fixed tray;

a follower pin affixed to the lever component wherein the follower pin is in communication with the cam profile component;

wherein a horizontal plane movement of the withdrawable module on the first base portion of the fixed tray causes rotation of the lever component resulting in the follower pin affixed to the rotating lever to be guided within a cam profile engraved in the cam profile component;

wherein position of the follower pin within the cam profile is indicative of an operative position of the withdrawable module.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is related to a withdrawable type module with a short circuit protection device provided in a panel board.

BACKGROUND
In a panel board, a module with short circuit protection device (SCPD), contactor, the relay is provided for operation, control and protection of loads like motor, pumps, conveyors etc. The modules can be the withdrawable type. For withdrawing the module, racking mechanism is provided to take module from one position to other. The mechanism can either be an open door or closed door type. There are three positions of the module: Isolated, Test and Service. In closed-door operation of the module, the door is closed throughout the operation of the module. Thus, it becomes necessary to know the exact position of the modules during the operation. Position indicator which can be seen from outside in a door closed condition is given in the module. The indication of Service, Test and Isolation should be in line with the corresponding position of the module.

Prior art publication EP 2228877 A2 discloses a run/test position indicator device of a vacuum circuit breaker. In the disclosed product, marking is provided on the fixed tray for three positions of the module, Service, Test, and Isolation. One marking is present on the withdrawable module chassis. As the module moves from one position to other, the marking on module matches with the marking on the tray when corresponding positions are achieved. This marking can be seen with door open condition. So, this type of position indication is possible only in case of open door operation of the module. For closed-door operation, the same position indication cannot be adapted as the marking is provided on fixed tray and the module chassis.

In view of the above, there is a requirement for a mechanism to indicate the position of the withdrawable module for the closed door position.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that is further described in the detail description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with the purposes of the invention, the present invention as embodied and broadly described herein provides position indication in the closed-door operation of the withdrawable module. The present invention helps to know the position (Service, Test or Isolation) of the withdrawable module without the need to open the door.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a position indicator apparatus for a closed-door withdrawable module. The position indicator apparatus is thus corresponding to a closed door embodiment of the present invention. The position indicator apparatus comprises of a fixed tray having a first base portion accommodating a withdrawable module and a second based portion accommodating a cam profile component mounted thereupon. Further, a lever component is mounted upon a module base portion of the withdrawable module where the lever component lies intermediate the first base portion and the second base portion of the fixed tray. Further, a follower pin is affixed to the lever component wherein the follower pin is in communication with the cam profile component. A horizontal plane movement of the withdrawable module on the first base portion of the fixed tray causes rotation of the lever component resulting in the follower pin affixed to the rotating lever to be guided within a cam profile engraved in the cam profile component, wherein position of the follower pin within the cam profile is indicative of an operative position of the withdrawable module.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a panel board comprising of a fixed tray, a movable chassis accommodating a withdrawable module on the fixed tray and a closing door, is disclosed. The disclosed panel board comprises of a position indicator apparatus working in accordance with the closed door embodiment of the present invention.

The above aspects and the advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

To further clarify advantages and aspects of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be construed as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings, which are listed below for quick reference.

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the withdrawable module arranged on a fixed tray of a panel board using a racking mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a cam profile component in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a lever and a follower pin arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement of the position indicator apparatus in accordance with a closed-door embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an indication label on a door of the panel board in accordance with a closed-door embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates an arrangement of the position indicator apparatus in accordance with another closed door embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an indication label on a door of the panel board in accordance with another closed door embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates an arrangement of the position indicator apparatus in accordance with another closed door embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates an indication label on a door of the panel board in accordance with another closed door embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates an arrangement of the position indicator apparatus in accordance with another closed door embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates an indication label on the door of the panel board in accordance with another closed door embodiment of the present invention.
It may be noted that to the extent possible like reference numerals have been used to represent elements like drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding of the embodiments of the invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should be in no way limited to illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques, illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appending claims along with the full scope of equivalents.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially technical and/or scientific terms, used herein, may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments”. It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the foregoing claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the foregoing claims fulfill the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the foregoing claims. The claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of the embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.
The present invention discloses mechanisms to provide a position indication in the closed-door operation of the withdrawable module. The withdrawable modules may be SCPD, contactor, relay, etc. which provided in a panel board for operation, protection, and connection of loads. The withdrawable module may be provided on the panel board using a racking mechanism. The panel board may be provided with a door which is in a closed-door condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Using the mechanism of the disclosed invention, the operating positions of the withdrawable module, namely, the service position, the test position, and the isolation position, is indicated without the need to open the door.

Fig. 1 illustrates a general arrangement of the above disclosed withdrawable module 10 provided in a chassis frame 10a that is mounted on a fixed tray 12 of a panel board. The withdrawable module can be horizontally moved on tray 12 where the withdrawable module is arranged using a racking mechanism on the fixed tray 12. In accordance with the present invention, a cam profile component 14 is mounted separately on the surface of the fixed tray 12. As illustrated, the fixed tray has a first base portion 12a accommodating the withdrawable module 10 and a second base portion 12b accommodating the cam profile component 14. In this regard, reference is now made to Fig. 2 which illustrates the cam profile component 14 that is mounted on the second base portion 12b of the fixed tray 12 in Fig. 1.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the cam profile component 14 may be mounted upon the base of the fixed tray using pin screw means 15 affixing the profile component 14 on the surface of the base surface of the fixed tray. The cam profile component 14 comprises of a cam profile engraved in the cam profile component which forms a surface contour on the cam profile component 14.

Referring back to Fig. 1, a lever component 16 is mounted on a module base portion (not shown in Fig. 1) of the withdrawable module 10 such that the lever component 16 lies on the module chassis 10a intermediate the first base portion 12a and the second base portion 12b. In this regard, further reference is made to Fig. 3 which depicts the details of the lever component arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lever component may also be referred to as the ‘position indicator’ or the ‘position lever’ in the present disclosure.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, a fixed plate of the lever component 16 is affixed to the module base portion 10b and is affixed in a manner that the fixed plate lies on the chassis 10a intermediate a first base portion and the second base portion. Further, a rotating plate of the lever component is supported by a holding pin 19 on the chassis 10a. A follower pin 18 is affixed to one end of the moving plate of the lever component 16. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the follower pin 18 is in communication with the cam profile component 14 affixed on the base portion 12b of the fixed tray 12. The details of the communication of the follower pin 18 within the cam profile 14a shall be evident by the working of the invention explained in the foregoing disclosure.

According to a closed-door embodiment of the present invention, cam profile 14a is provided on the cam profile component 14 mounted on the fixed tray 12 and the follower pin 18 is given on a rotating lever 16 mounted on the module chassis 10a, as explained above. When the withdrawable module is moved in the horizontal plane within the chassis 10a affixed on the first base portion 12a of the fixed tray 12, the motion of the module causes rotating of the lever component 16 that facilitates guiding of the follower pin 18 inside the cam profile 14 in the cam profile component 16. Therefore, during the operating condition at the isolation state, the test state, and the service state, the follower pin 18 is guided at determined positions within the cam profile 14a. This causes an indicating arrow for the respective position provided on the door to match the lever position and thus a position indicator of the operating state of the module is provided for a closed-door panel.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a cutout 20 (shown in Figs. 5, 7, 9, 11) is provided on the closed door of the panel board. The cutout 20 may be provided in a label sticker 21 provided on the closed door. When the module 10 reaches an operating state of the withdrawable module 10, i.e., an isolation state, a test state, and a service state, the rotating lever moves such that the follower pin 18 is guided to reach determined states within the cam profile 14a that causes a corresponding indicator label area provided on the withdrawable module 10 to match the cutout portion 20 provided on the door, thus indicating the status of the operation. By way of an example, Fig. 5 illustrates an indicator label area having a sticker ‘I’ corresponding to the isolated position matching the cutout 20 provided on the door. In another example, Fig. 9 illustrates an indicator label area having a sticker ‘T’ corresponding to the test position matching the cutout 20 provided on the door. In another example, Fig. 11 illustrates an indicator label area having a sticker ‘S’ corresponding to the service position matching the cutout 20 provided on the door.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, during an intermediate position of the module 10, such as in between the isolated position and the test position, or the test position and the service position, the lever 16 does not rotate. In the intermediate state, only a gray zone of the module 10 is visible through the cutout 20. See Figs. 6 and 7 illustrating the present embodiment.

Referring to the illustrations shown from Fig. 5 to Fig. 11, working example of the position indicator apparatus in accordance with the closed door embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

When the module 10 is in an isolated position, the follower pin 18 enters in the cam profile 14a where an entry chamfer is provided. Referring to Fig. 4, the follower pin 16 is shown entering the cam profile 14 at entry chamfer of the cam profile 14a. In this state, the indicator label area having the sticker ‘I’ corresponding to the isolated position matches the cutout 20 provided on the door.

After the isolation position is passed, the lever does not rotate and a grey zone can be seen through the cutout 20 on the door signifying that no specific position is attained. As seen in Fig. 6, the follower pin 18 is guided further ahead from the entry chamfer within the cam profile 18 due to partial movement of the lever 16 as the module 10 moves further. As such a match is provided between one of the grey label area provided on the module 10 and the cutout 20 provided on the door, shown in Fig. 7.

The lever 16 rotates just before reaching the test position, also referred to as the first position within the cam profile 14a, as seen in Fig. 9. When module reached the test position, the indicator label area having the sticker ‘T’ corresponding to the test position matches the cutout 20 provided on the door, as seen in Fig. 9.

During further movement of the module 10, similar to the illustration provided in Fig. 7, the gray label area matches the cutout 20 provided on the door and a gray zone is indicated showing that the module is not in a specific position.

Similarly, just before reaching service position, the lever 16 rotates and when the module 10 reaches the service position, also referred to as the second position within the cam profile 14a, the indicator label area having the sticker ‘S’ corresponding to the service position matches the cutout 20 provided on the door, as seen in Fig. 11.

Those skilled in the art will recognize other use cases, improvements, and modification to the embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and other use-cases are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.