REMOVABLE RACKING SYSTEM
FOR AN ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS
Cross Reference to Related Application
This application is related to commonly assigned United States Patent
Application Serial No. 11/693,198, filed March 29,2007, entitled "SPRING DRIVEN
RAM FOR CLOSING AN ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS" (Attorney
Docket No. 07-EDP-044), which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical switching apparatus and, more
specifically, to a modular racking system for an electrical switching apparatus.
Background Information
An electrical switching apparatus, typically, includes 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, an external line bus or a load bus.
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.
Typically, an electrical switching apparatus was either fixed in an enclosure or
adapted to be a draw-out electrical switching apparatus. A fixed electrical switching
apparatus was fixed to the line and load bus within the enclosure. A draw-out
electrical switching apparatus included a disconnect or terminal on each conductive
bus. Similarly, the line and load bus within the enclosure for a draw-out electrical
switching apparatus each included a disconnect or terminal. Thus, as the draw-out
electrical switching apparatus is being inserted into the enclosure, the draw-out
electrical switching apparatus disconnects engage, and become in electrical
communication with, the enclosure terminals. Conversely, when the draw-out
electrical switching apparatus is moved out of the enclosure, the draw-out electrical
switching apparatus disconnects disengage from the enclosure terminals.
Typically, the draw-out electrical switching apparatus includes a plurality of
wheels structured to travel over a corresponding set of rails within the enclosure. In
this configuration, the draw-out electrical switching apparatus disconnects and the
enclosure disconnects are generally aligned. Further, a racking device is typically
used to move the draw-out electrical switching apparatus into, and out of, the
enclosure. The racking device includes an interlock actuator, discussed below, and a
racking actuator. The racking actuator helps move the electrical switching apparatus
over the rails and ensures that the disconnects fully engage each other during insertion
and helps overcome frictional forces during removal.
As the enclosure line and load buses typically carry current when the electrical
switching apparatus contacts are closed, it is very dangerous to move the draw-out
electrical switching apparatus into, and out of, the enclosure with the contacts closed.
Further, the operating mechanism closing assembly and opening assembly both utilize
one or more springs to close and open the contacts. These springs, when charged,
store mechanical energy. To ensure that the electrical switching apparatus contacts are
not closed as the draw-out electrical switching apparatus is moved in or out of the
enclosure, the draw-out electrical switching apparatus includes one or more interlock
assemblies. Further, the electrical switching apparatus includes an interlock
structured to release any stored mechanical energy within the opening or closing
springs. An interlock assembly for the contacts engages the draw-out electrical
switching apparatus operating mechanism and, when actuated, places the contacts in
the first, open position. That is, if the contacts were in the second, closed position, the
interlock assembly moves the contacts to, and maintains the contacts in, the first, open
position, and, if the contacts were in the first, open position, the interlock assembly
prevents the contacts from moving to the second, closed position. An interlock for the
stored mechanical energy device also engages the draw-out electrical switching
apparatus operating mechanism and, when actuated, releases the stored energy. The
interlock assembles are, typically, actuated by the racking device interlock actuator.
The interlock assembly and the racking device interlock actuator are typically fixed to
each other by one or more fasteners. Thus, any time the racking device is utilized, the
interlock assembly should ensure that the springs are discharged, the contacts are
open and the draw-out electrical switching apparatus may be safely moved.
Because a fixed electrical switching apparatus is not typically disconnected
from the enclosure line and load buses, a fixed electrical switching apparatus does not
include the racking device or a set of wheels structured to engage enclosure rails.
Thus, manufacturers, typically, make two versions of an electrical switching
apparatus; one that is structured to be a fixed electrical switching apparatus and one
that is structured as a draw-out electrical switching apparatus. To reduce
manufacturing costs, it would be advantageous to have a modular racking system that
could be optionally added to an electrical switching apparatus. Further, customers
may wish to adapt a fixed electrical switching apparatus to be a draw-out electrical
switching apparatus, or vice-versa.
There is, therefore, a need for a modular racking system that may be
removably coupled to an electrical switching apparatus.
There is a further need for a modular racking system wherein the modular
racking system may be added to the electrical switching apparatus late in the
manufacturing process or by a customer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These needs, and other, are met by at least one embodiment of the present
invention which provides a modular racking system. It is noted that the electrical
switching apparatus is made with at least one interlock assembly coupled to the
operating mechanism structured to place the contacts in the open position and
discharge any stored mechanical energy. The modular racking system includes a
carriage assembly structured to support electrical switching apparatus and at least one
cam follower structured to be removably coupled to the electrical switching apparatus.
The carriage assembly includes a set of wheels structured to engage the enclosure
rails and at least one cam structured to functionally engage the at least one cam
follower. The cam is structured to be actuated by the racking actuator. The at least
one cam follower is structured to functionally engage and actuate the interlock
assembly. When the electrical switching apparatus is coupled to the modular racking
system and moved into, or out of, an enclosure by a racking actuator, the racking
actuator actuates the cam. The cam actuates the cam follower which, in turn, actuates
the interlock assembly. When the interlock assembly is actuated, the electrical
switching apparatus contacts are placed in the first, open position and any stored
mechanical energy is discharged.
The modular racking system is removably coupled to the electrical switching
apparatus and the electrical switching apparatus may be easily detached from the
modular racking system. That is, unlike a typical interlock and racking device
interlock actuator that are coupled by fasteners or other hardware, the present
invention provides for a non-fixed coupling between the interlock and racking device
interlock actuator. This coupling is the cam and at least one cam follower set forth
above. The cam and the at least one cam follower interface with each other. The cam
is, preferably, disposed on the carriage assembly. Further, the at least one cam
follower is removably coupled to an external, or easily accessed, portion of the
electrical switching apparatus.
In this configuration, a fixed electrical switching apparatus that has an
interlock assembly may be converted to a draw-out electrical switching apparatus by
disposing the electrical switching apparatus on the carriage and coupling the at least
one cam follower to the electrical switching apparatus. Because the carriage is a
separate component structured to support electrical switching apparatus and because
the at least one cam follower is removably coupled to an external, or easily accessed,
portion of the electrical switching apparatus, the modular racking system may be
added to the electrical switching apparatus late in the manufacturing process or even
after the manufacture of the electrical switching apparatus is complete.
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 exploded view of an electrical switching apparatus and a
modular racking system.
Figure 2 is a detail view of one side of the electrical switching apparatus.
Figure 3 is a detail view of the other side of the electrical switching apparatus.
Figure 4 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus and a
modular racking system with an interlock operator in a second position.
Figure 5 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus and a
modular racking system with an interlock operator in a first position.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus and a
modular racking system with another interlock operator in a second position.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus and a
modular racking system with another interlock operator in a first position.
Figure 8 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus and a
modular racking system with a door assembly interlock in a first position.
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, the phrase "removably coupled" means that one component is
coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two
components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the
components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two
components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible
fasteners are "removably coupled" whereas two components that are welded together
or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not "removably coupled." A "difficult to
access fastener" is one that requires the removal of one or more other components
prior to accessing the fastener wherein the "other component" is not an access device
such as, but not limited to, a door.
As used herein, "correspond" indicates that two structural components are
sized to engage each other with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening
which corresponds to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the
member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction.
As used herein, "functionally engage" means that, where two components are
structured to move, a first component that engages the second component so as to
move the second component may be said to "functionally engage" the second
component.
As used herein, the phrase "interface with" means that two or more
components are coupled together without a required fastening device or means. By
way of a non-limiting example, a key may be said to interface with a keyhole. That
is, a key engages, or functionally engages, the keyhole, but no fastening device or
means, such as a bolt or glue is required. It is further noted that, while no fastening
device or means is required, a fastening device or means may still be used.
As used herein, when an interlock assembly "makes safe" an electrical
switching apparatus operating mechanism by placing the contacts in an open
configuration and/or discharging any significant mechanical energy. "Significant
mechanical energy" is typically stored in springs such as, but not limited to, the
closing springs and the opening springs.
As shown in Figure 1, an electrical switching apparatus 10 includes a housing
assembly 12 defining an enclosed space 14. The housing assembly 12 preferably
includes a removable front cover 13. 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 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 operating mechanism 50 utilizes one or more springs (not shown) to open and
close the at least one pair of separable contacts 26. These springs may be charged
manually or by a motor operator. 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 operating mechanism 50 further includes at least one interlock assembly
60. The at least one interlock assembly 60 is structured to place the at least one pair
of separable contacts 26 in the first, open position when actuated. The housing
assembly 12, preferably, includes a plurality of side plates 62 structured to support the
other electrical switching apparatus 10 components. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the
side plates 62 are generally parallel and include a plurality of openings 64 through
which the other electrical switching apparatus 10 components may extend. The side
plates 62 further include a plurality of laterally extending pins 66 structured to support
the at least one cam follower 150, discussed below. The housing assembly 12 may
also include a plurality of external fastener openings 68 (Fig. 1) positioned to align
with the carriage assembly plurality of fasteners 129, discussed below. Further, on
the outer sides of the side plates 62, the at least one interlock assembly 60 includes
one, or more, actuators 69. The interlock assembly actuators 69 are structured to
move between a first position and a second position. When the interlock assembly
actuator 69 is moved into the first position, the at least one interlock assembly 60 is
actuated.
The electrical switching apparatus 10 may be disposed in an enclosure 70.
The enclosure 70 includes a plurality of sidewalls 72 defining an enclosed space. The
enclosure sidewalls 72 include a right sidewall 74 and a left sidewall 76. The right
sidewall 74 and the left sidewall 76 each have an elongated, generally horizontal rail
78 coupled thereto.
As shown in Figure 1, a modular racking system 80 is structured to be
removably coupled to the electrical switching apparatus 10 and structured to assist in
moving the electrical switching apparatus 10 in and out of the enclosure 70. The
racking system 80 includes a carriage assembly 90 and at least one cam follower 150.
The carriage assembly 90 includes a base assembly 100, a first vertical side member
102 and a second vertical side member 104. The base assembly 100 includes a base
plate 110 with a first lateral side 112, a second lateral side 114, and at least one cam
116 structured to functionally engage the at least one cam follower 150 as discussed
below. The base assembly 100 is structured to support the electrical switching
apparatus 10. The at least one cam 116 is structured to be actuated by a racking
operator 118, discussed below. The at least one cam 116, preferably, includes a first
cam 115 and a second cam 117. The first vertical side member 102 is coupled to the
base assembly first lateral side 112. The second vertical side member 104 is coupled
to the base assembly second lateral side 114. Thus, the combination of the base plate
110 with the first lateral side 112 and the second lateral side 114 have a generally U-
shaped configuration. The base plate 110 has a width sized to accommodate the
electrical switching apparatus 10. The first vertical side member 102 has at least one
wheel 120, and preferably two wheels 120, structured to engage an enclosure rail 78.
The second vertical side member 104 also has at least one wheel 120, and preferably
two wheels 120, structured to engage an enclosure rail 78. Both the first vertical side
member 102 and the second vertical side member 104 include a plurality of fasteners
129 structured to removably couple the electrical switching apparatus 10 to the
carriage assembly 90.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base assembly 100, preferably, includes a
racking operator door assembly 130. The door assembly 130 has a movable door 132
and a cam actuator link assembly 134. The door 132 is structured to be moved
between a first, open position (Fig. 5) and a second, closed position (Fig. 4). It is
noted that the door 132 first, open position does not require the door 132 to be fully
open. The door 132 is functionally coupled to, and structured to actuate, the cam
actuator link assembly 134. The cam actuator link assembly 134 is structured to
move between a first, actuated position and a second, un-actuated position. The cam
actuator link assembly 134 being in the first, actuated position when the door 132 is in
the first, open position and the cam actuator link assembly 134 being in the second,
un-actuated position when the door 132 is in the second, closed position. The cam
actuator link assembly 134 is further coupled to the at least one cam 116 and,
preferably to the first cam 115. When the door 132 is moved to the first, open
position, the cam actuator link assembly 134 is moved to its first, actuated position
and the at least one cam 116 is actuated.
The base assembly 100 may also include a racking operator link assembly
140. The racking operator link assembly 140 is structured to be coupled to, and
actuated by, the racking operator 118. The racking operator link assembly 140 is
further coupled to, and structured to actuate, the second cam 117. Thus, when the
racking operator 118 is actuated to move the electrical switching apparatus 10 into, or
out of, the enclosure 70, the second cam 117 is actuated via the racking operator link
assembly 140.
The at least one cam follower 150 is an interlock operator 152. That is, the at
least one cam follower 150 is structured to functionally engage and actuate the
interlock assembly 60. The at least one cam follower 150, preferably, includes a first
cam follower 154 (Figs. 3-5) and a second cam follower 156 (Figs. 2,6, and 7). Each
cam follower 154,156 has an elongated body 160 which is not necessarily generally
straight. Each cam follower body 160 has at least one opening 162 structured to be
disposed over a housing assembly pin 66. Preferably, the at least one opening 162 is
two elongated slots 164. The slots 164 extend generally parallel to each other. Each
slot 164 has a first end 166 and a second end 168. The slots 164 are structured to be
disposed over two of the extending pins 66. In this configuration, the at least one cam
follower 150 is structured to move between a first position, wherein each pin 66 is
adjacent to the first end of the associated slot 164, and a second position, wherein
each pin 66 is adjacent to the second end of the associated slot 164.
The at least one cam follower 150 is, preferably, coupled to the electrical
switching apparatus 10 without fasteners. That is, as shown in Figure 2, each slot 164
may have a key 170 that is a wide portion. The pins 66 would have a flat head 67
sized to pass through the key 170, but which is too large to pass through the slot 164.
Alternatively, a non-threaded fastener 172, such as, but not limited to, an E-clip, may
be used to removably couple the at least one cam follower 150 to the electrical
switching apparatus 10.
In this configuration, the electrical switching apparatus 10 may be removably
coupled to the modular racking system 80. The at least one cam follower 150 is
removably coupled to the electrical switching apparatus 10 as set forth above. When
the electrical switching apparatus 10 is disposed on the carriage assembly 90, the
carriage assembly 90 at least one cam 116 functionally engages the at least one cam
follower 150. More specifically, the first cam 115 interfaces with the first cam
follower 154 and the second cam 117 interfaces with the second cam follower 156.
The electrical switching apparatus 10 may be further secured to the carriage assembly
90 by threading the carriage assembly plurality of fasteners 129 into the housing
assembly openings 68. A racking operator 118, which is typically an elongated,
screw operated device, is coupled to the base assembly 100 via the door assembly
130. The racking operator 118 also functionally engages the racking operator link
assembly 140 which further functionally engages the second cam 117. Thus, prior to
the racking operator 118 passing through the door 132, the door 132 is moved from
the second, closed position (Fig. 4) to the first, open position (Fig. 5). This causes the
cam actuator link assembly 134 to move into the first, actuated position which in turn
actuates the first cam 115. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first cam 115 is
preferably a disk shaped body 180 having an inclined upper surface 182. Thus, the
first cam 115 is actuated by rotating the first cam body 180 between a first position
(Fig. 5) and a second position (Fig. 4). When the first cam 115 is actuated, the first
cam follower 154 moves thereby actuating the interlock assembly 60 causing the at
least one pair of separable contacts 26 to be placed in the first, open position. That is,
as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first cam 115 moves the first cam follower 154
between a first position a first position (Fig. 5) and a second position (Fig. 4). The
upper end of the first cam follower 154 engages an interlock assembly actuator 69.
Thus, when the first cam 115 rotates, the first cam follower 154 is moved upwards as
the first cam follower 154 slides over the first cam body inclined upper surface 182.
As the first cam follower 154 is moved upwardly, the first cam follower 154 moves
the interlock assembly actuator 69 from the second position to the first position,
thereby actuating the at least one interlock assembly 60 causing the at least one pair of
separable contacts 26 to be placed in the first, open position and/or discharging the
operating mechanism springs.
Alternatively, when the racking operator 118 is actuated to insert or remove
the electrical switching apparatus 10 relative to the enclosure 70, the racking operator
118 also actuates the racking operator link assembly 140. The racking operator link
assembly 140 further actuates the second cam 117 to move from a second position
(Fig. 6) to a first position (Fig. 7). As the second cam 117 moves into the first
position, the second cam 117 actuates the second cam follower 156. That is, the
second cam follower 156 is lifted. The upper end of the second cam follower 156 is
also coupled to an interlock assembly actuator 69. As the second cam follower 156 is
moved upwardly, the second cam follower 156 moves the interlock assembly actuator
69 from the second position to the first position, thereby actuating the at least one
interlock assembly 60 causing the at least one pair of separable contacts 26 to be
placed in the first, open position and/or discharging the operating mechanism springs.
In addition to placing the contacts 26 in the open position, the at least one
interlock assembly 60 is, preferably, structured to prevent coupling the racking
operator 118 to the base assembly 100 when the contacts 26 are closed. That is, there
are rare instances when the contacts 26 may become fused together. When this
occurs, the operating mechanism 50 may not be able to move the contacts 26 into the
open position. Thus, it may be dangerous to attempt to remove the electrical
switching apparatus 10 from the enclosure 70. To reduce the chance of a user
attempting to remove the electrical switching apparatus 10 from the enclosure 70
when the contacts 26 are closed, there is, preferably, a door assembly interlock 200.
The door assembly interlock 200 includes a cam actuator 202 and a
door cam 204. The door assembly interlock cam actuator 202 is disposed on the
electrical switching apparatus 10 and is coupled to the operating mechanism and
structured to be responsive to the position of the contacts 26. The door assembly
interlock cam actuator 202 is structured to move between a first position (Fig. 8)
when the contacts 26 are open, and a second position (Fig. 6) when the contacts 26 are
closed. As shown, the door assembly interlock cam actuator 202 is an elongated
member structured between move from a lower, first position (Fig. 8) to an upper
second position (Fig. 6). The door cam 204 is disposed adjacent to the second cam
117. The door assembly interlock cam actuator 202 and the door cam 204 interface
with each other. The door cam 204 is structured to move between a first position
(Fig. 8) and a second position (Fig. 6) in response to actuation by the door assembly
interlock cam actuator 202. The door cam 204 is moved from the second position to
the first position when the door assembly interlock cam actuator 202 moves from the
second position to the first position. The door cam 204 is coupled to the door
assembly movable door 132 and structured to prevent the door assembly movable
door 132 from being opened when the door cam 204 is in the second position. 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.
We claim:
1. A modular racking system (80) for an electrical switching apparatus
(10), said electrical switching apparatus (10) having a housing assembly (12) with at
least two generally parallel side plates (62), an operating mechanism (50) coupled to
said side plates (62) and structured to move at least one pair of separable contacts (26)
between a first open position and a second closed position, said operating mechanism
(50) further including an interlock assembly (60) structured to make safe the operating
mechanism (50) actuated, said electrical switching apparatus (10) being adapted to be
moved in and out of an enclosure (70) by a racking operator (118), said enclosure (70)
having a pair of rails (78), said modular racking system (80) comprising:
a carriage assembly (90) structured to support said electrical switching
apparatus (10), said carriage assembly (90) having at least one wheel (120) structured
to engage each said enclosure rail (78) and at least one cam (116) structured to
functionally engage a cam follower (150), said at least one cam (116) structured to be
actuated by a racking operator (118);
at least one cam follower (150) structured to be removably coupled to at least
one of said electrical switching apparatus side plates (62), said at least one cam
follower (150) structured to functionally engage said interlock assembly (60);
wherein, when said at least one cam follower (150) is coupled to said electrical
switching apparatus (10), said cam follower (150) functionally engages said interlock
assembly (60);
wherein when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said
carriage assembly (90), said carriage assembly (90) at least one cam (116)
functionally engages said at least one cam follower (150); and
wherein when said at least one cam (116) is actuated by said racking operator
(118), said carriage assembly (90) at least one cam (116) actuates said at least one
cam follower (150) and said at least one cam follower (150) actuates said interlock
assembly (60).
2. The modular racking system (80) of claim 1 wherein said electrical
switching apparatus (10) interfaces with said carriage assembly (90).
3. The modular racking system (80) of claim 2 wherein said at least one
cam (116) interfaces with said at least one cam follower (150).
4. The modular racking system (80) of claim 1 wherein said carriage
assembly (90) includes a plurality of fasteners (129) structured to removably couple
said electrical switching apparatus (10) to said carriage assembly (90).
5. The modular racking system (80) of claim 4 wherein said at least one
cam (116) interfaces with said at least one cam follower (150).
6. The modular racking system (80) of claim 5 wherein:
said carriage assembly (90) includes a racking operator door assembly (130),
said door assembly (130) having a movable door (132) and a cam actuator link
assembly (140);
said door (132) structured to be moved between a first, open position and a
second, closed position, said door (132) further operatively coupled to said cam
actuator link assembly (140);
said cam actuator link assembly (140) structured to move between a first,
actuated position and a second, un-actuated position, said cam actuator link assembly
(140) being in said first, actuated position when said door (132) is in said first, open
position and said cam actuator link assembly (140) being in said second, un-actuated
position when said door (132) is in said second, closed position;
said cam actuator link assembly (140) further coupled to said at least one cam
(116); and
wherein when said door (132) is moved to said first, open position, said cam
actuator link assembly (140) is moved to said first, actuated position and said at least
one cam (116) is actuated.
7. The modular racking system (80) of claim 6 wherein:
said at least one cam (116) includes two cams, a first cam (115) and a second
cam (117);
said at least one cam follower (150) includes two cam followers, a first cam
follower (154) and a second cam follower (156);
wherein when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said
carriage assembly (90), said carriage assembly first cam (115) functionally engages
said first cam follower (154);
when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said carriage
assembly (90), said carriage assembly second cam (117) functionally engages said
second cam follower (156);
said first cam (115) structured to be actuated when said door (132) is moved to
said first position; and
said second cam (117) structured to be actuated when said racking operator
(118) is actuated.
8. A modular racking system (80) for.an electrical switching apparatus
(10), said electrical switching apparatus (10) having a housing assembly (12) with at
least two generally parallel side plates (62), an operating mechanism (50) coupled to
said side plates (62) and structured to move at least one pair of separable contacts (26)
between a first open position and a second closed position, said operating mechanism
(50) further including an interlock assembly (60) structured to make safe the operating
mechanism (50) when actuated, said electrical switching apparatus (10) being adapted
to be moved in and out of an enclosure (70) by a racking operator (118), said
enclosure (70) having a pair of rails (78), said modular racking system (80)
comprising:
a carriage assembly (90) structured to support said electrical switching
apparatus (10), said carriage assembly (90) having at least one wheel (120) structured
to engage each said enclosure rail (78) and at least one cam (116) structured to
functionally engage a cam follower (150), said at least one cam (116) structured to be
actuated by a racking operator (118);
at least one cam follower (150) structured to be removably coupled to at least
one of said electrical switching apparatus side plates (62), said at least one cam
follower (150) structured to functionally engage said interlock assembly (60);
wherein, when said at least one cam follower (150) is coupled to said electrical
switching apparatus (10), said cam follower (150) functionally engages said interlock
assembly (60);
wherein when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said
carriage assembly (90), said carriage assembly (90) at least one cam (116)
functionally engages and interfaces with said at least one cam follower (150); and
wherein when said at least one cam (116) is actuated by said racking operator
(118), said carriage assembly (90) at least one cam (116) actuates said at least one
cam follower (150) and said at least one cam follower (150) actuates said interlock
assembly (60).
9. The modular racking system (80) of claim 8 wherein:
said carriage assembly (90) includes a racking operator door assembly (130),
said door assembly (130) having a movable door (132) and a cam actuator link
assembly (140);
said door (132) structured to be moved between a first, open position and a
second, closed position, said door (132) further operatively coupled to said cam
actuator link assembly (140);
said cam actuator link assembly (140) structured to move between a first,
actuated position and a second, un-actuated position, said cam actuator link assembly
(140) being in said first, actuated position when said door (132) is in said first, open
position and said cam actuator link assembly (140) being in said second, un-actuated
position when said door (132) is in said second, closed position;
said cam actuator link assembly (140) further coupled to said at least one cam
(116); and
wherein when said door (132) is moved to said first, open position, said cam
actuator link assembly (140) is moved to said first, actuated position and said at least
one cam (116) is actuated.
10. The modular racking system (80) of claim 9 wherein:
said at least one cam (116) includes two cams, a first cam (115) and a second
cam (117);
said at least one cam follower (150) includes two cam followers, a first cam
follower (154) and a second cam follower (156);
wherein when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said
carriage assembly (90), said carriage assembly first cam (115) functionally engages
said first cam follower (154);
when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said carriage
assembly (90), said carriage assembly second cam (117) functionally engages said
second cam follower (156);
said first cam (115) structured to be actuated when said door (132) is moved to
said first position; and
said second cam (117) structured to be actuated when said racking operator
(118) is actuated.
11. A carriage (90) assembly for an electrical switching apparatus modular
racking system (80), said electrical switching apparatus (10) having a housing
assembly (12) with at least two generally parallel side plates (62), an operating
mechanism (50) coupled to said side plates (62) and structured to move at least one
pair of separable contacts (26) between a first open position and a second closed
position, said operating mechanism (50) further including an interlock assembly (60)
structured to make safe the operating mechanism (50) when actuated, at least one cam
follower (150) coupled to at least one of said electrical switching apparatus side plates
(62), said cam follower (150) operatively engaging said interlock assembly (60), said
electrical switching apparatus (10) being adapted to be moved in and out of an
enclosure (70) by a racking operator (118), said enclosure (70) having a pair of rails
(78), said carriage assembly (90) comprising:
a base assembly (100) having a base plate (110) with a first lateral side (112),
a second lateral side (114), and at least one cam (116) structured to functionally
engage a cam follower (150), said base assembly (100) structured to support said
electrical switching apparatus (10);
said at least one cam (116) structured to be actuated by a racking operator
(118);
a first vertical side member (102);
a second vertical side member (104);
said first vertical side member (102) coupled to said base assembly first lateral
side (112);
said second vertical side member (104) coupled to said base assembly second
lateral side (114);
said first vertical side member (102) having at least one wheel (120) structured
to engage one said enclosure rail (78);
said second vertical side member (104) having at least one wheel (120)
structured to engage one said enclosure rail (78);
wherein, when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said base
assembly (100), said base assembly (100) at least one cam (116) functionally engages
and interfaces with said at least one cam follower (150); and
wherein when said at least one cam (116) is actuated by said racking operator
(118), said base assembly (100) at least one cam (116) actuates said at least one cam
follower (150) and said at least one cam follower (150) actuates said interlock
assembly (60).
12. The carriage assembly (90) of claim 11 wherein:
said base assembly (100) includes a racking operator door assembly (130),
said door assembly (130) having a movable door (132 and a cam actuator link
assembly (140);
said door (132) structured to be moved between a first, open position and a
second, closed position, said door (132) further operatively coupled to said cam
actuator link assembly (140);
said cam actuator link assembly (140) structured to move between a first,
actuated position and a second, un-actuated position, said cam actuator link assembly
(140) being in said first, actuated position when said door (132) is in said first, open
position and said cam actuator link assembly (140) being in said second, un-actuated
position when said door (132) is in said second, closed position;
said cam actuator link assembly (140) further coupled to said at least one cam
(116); and
wherein when said door (132) is moved to said first, open position, said cam
actuator link assembly (140) is moved to said first, actuated position and said at least
one cam (116) is actuated.
13. The carriage assembly (90) of claim 12 wherein said at least one cam
follower (150) includes two cam followers, a first cam follower (154) and a second
cam follower (156), and wherein:
said at least one cam (116) includes two cams, a first cam (115) and a second
cam (117);
wherein when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said
carriage assembly (90), said carriage assembly first cam (115) functionally engages
said first cam follower (154);
when said electrical switching apparatus (10) is disposed on said carriage
assembly (90), said carriage assembly second cam (117) functionally engages said
second cam follower (156);
said first cam (115) structured to be actuated when said door (132) is moved to
said first position; and
said second cam (117) structured to be actuated when said racking operator
(118) is actuated.
14. The carriage assembly (90) of claim 13 wherein said first vertical side
member (102) and said second vertical side member (104) each include a plurality of
fasteners (129) structured to removably couple said electrical switching apparatus (10)
to said carriage assembly (90).
15. The carriage assembly (90) of claim 11 wherein said first vertical side
member (102) and said second vertical side member (104) each include a plurality of
fasteners (129) structured to removably couple said electrical switching apparatus (10)
to said carriage assembly (90).
16. An interlock operator (152) for an electrical switching apparatus
modular racking system (140), said electrical switching apparatus (10) having a
housing assembly (12) with at least two generally parallel side plates (62), an
operating mechanism (50) coupled to said side plates (62) and structured to move at
least one pair of separable contacts (26) between a first open position and a second
closed position, said operating mechanism (50) further including an interlock
assembly (60) structured to make safe the operating mechanism (50) when actuated,
said electrical switching apparatus (10) being adapted to be moved in and out of an
enclosure (70) by a racking operator (118), said enclosure (70) having a pair of rails
(78), said interlock operator (152) comprising:
at least one cam follower (150) structured to functionally engage said interlock
assembly (60); and
said least one cam follower (150) being removably coupled to at least one of
said electrical switching apparatus side plates (62).
17. The interlock operator (152) of claim 16 wherein, said side plates (62)
include a plurality of extending pins (66) and wherein:
said at least one cam follower (150) includes at least one opening (162); and
said at least one cam follower opening (162) structured to be disposed over at
least one of said extending pins (66) thereby removably coupling said at least one cam
follower (150) to said electrical switching apparatus side plate (62).
18. The interlock operator (152) of claim 16 wherein, said side plates (62)
include a plurality of extending pins (66) and wherein:
said at least one cam follower (150) includes an elongated body (160);
said elongated body (160) having two elongated slots (164) therein, said
elongated slots (164) extending generally parallel to each other;
each said slot (164) having a first end (166) and a second end (168);
said at least one cam follower slots (164) structured to be disposed over two of
said housing assembly pins (66) thereby removably coupling said at least one cam
follower (150) to said electrical switching apparatus side plate (62); and
wherein said at least one cam follower (150) is structured to move between a
first position, wherein each said pin (66) is adjacent to said first end (166) of said
associated slot (164), and a second position, wherein each said pin (66) is adjacent to
said second end (168) of said associated slot (164).
19. The interlock operator (152) of claim 18 wherein said at least one cam
follower (150) is coupled to at least one of said pins (66) by a non-threaded fastener
(172).
20. The interlock operator (152) of claim 19 wherein said non-threaded
fastener (172) is an E-clip.

A modular racking system (80) removably coupled to an
electrical switching apparatus (10) is provided. The
modular racking system (80) includes a carriage
assembly (90) structured to removably support
electrical switching apparatus (10) and at least one
cam follower (150) is structured to be removably
coupled to the electrical switching apparatus (10).