The present disclosure relates, in general, to electrical distribution and
control installations, and more specifically, relates to a single load break switch in switchgear for multiple switching functions.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Switchgears are installed in various phases of the transmission and
distribution network. The purpose of the installation of switchgear is an easy, reliable and efficient way of transmission and distribution of power from the power generation station to the consumers. Switching operations are repeatedly necessary in switchgear assemblies for a power supply network for selectively supplying or disconnecting electrical assemblies. Switching operations must thereby be carried out to a different extent, owing to the large number of functions integrated into modern switchgear assemblies.
[0003] The switchgear protects other equipments from faults. The switchgear
disconnect/isolate the faulty system from the power grid. After the maintenance of the faulty system, it is connected back to the power grid. The switchgear ensures continuous and uninterrupted supply. The load break switches have three positions ON-OFF-EARTH. The load break switch drives a mechanical assembly to change the position in between ON-OFF-EARTH positions. The positions decide the state of the switchgear. ON means power supply cable is connected, OFF means power supply cable is isolated, EARTH means the power supply cable is earthed. Each mechanical assembly is present inside a compartment/tank. The mechanical switching assembly inside the compartment/tank can be called as a functional unit. The compartment/tank can be common between functional units. Each functional unit can be driven by a load break switch.
[0004] Although exemplary existing mechanisms in the field of switchgear
exist today, these mechanisms suffer from significant drawbacks that requires separate load break switches for multiple functional units. Therefore, it is desired to develop a less sophisticated and cost-effective means that enables single load break switch for multiple functional units.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to electrical
distribution and control installations, and more specifically, relates to a single load
break switch in switchgear for multiple switching functions.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure provides a standardized,
simple and cost-effective switchgear assembly.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus with
improved reliability.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus with a
single load break switch to control multiple functional units effectively and to
simplify the switchgear assembly.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus with
proper interlocks that are employed to avoid malfunction of the single load break
switch.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure provides an apparatus with
improved ergonomics.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus
with a user interface that helps the smooth operation of the load break switch and
its related interlock without demanding any strenuous way of operation by the
operator.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates, in general, to electrical distribution and
control installations, and more specifically, relates to a single load break switch in
switchgear for multiple switching functions. The apparatus of the present disclosure
enables to overcome the limitations of the prior art by using a single load break
switch in gas insulated switchgear for multiple switching functions.
[0013] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for multiple switching
functions, the apparatus includes a plurality of functional units configured inside a compartment of a housing, the plurality of functional units slides between a connected position and a disconnected position, at least one load break switch

configured in the housing of the apparatus, wherein the at least one load break switch drives the plurality of functional units to change the position state pertaining to on position, off positions and earth positions, a position changing station configured inside the compartment of the housing, wherein the position state of at least one load break switch is changed based on the state of the plurality of functional units; and a pin coupled to the at least one load break switch, wherein the pin adapted to engage and disengage the at least one load break switch to and from the plurality of functional units.
[0014] According to an embodiment, the at least one load break switch
performs sequence of operation while shifting the at least one load break switch
from one functional unit to another functional unit, wherein the plurality of
functional units comprises a first functional unit, second functional unit and third
functional unit, the sequence of operation pertaining to de-latching operation,
position changing operation and latching operation, wherein the sequence of
operation is performed automatically using motors or other suitable means.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the apparatus can include a handle
coupled to at least one load break switch, and is operated to latch and delatch the at
least one load break switch at the plurality of functional units, the handle is arranged
such that the handle is moved horizontally in a handle guideway.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the at least one load break switch is
located at the first functional unit, wherein the pin disengages the at least one load break switch from the first functional unit and is moved to the position changing station.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the load break switch is latched at the
position changing station, wherein the position state of at least one load break switch is changed based on the state of the second functional unit or the third functional unit.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the at least one load break switch is
moved from the position changing station to any of the second functional unit or third functional unit.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the at least one load break switch is free
to move over horizontal guideways provided on the tank.
[0020] According to an embodiment, the apparatus can include operating
handle cut-outs that remain in close position by shutter when the at least one load break switch is not present at any of the plurality of functional units and position changing station.
[0021] According to an embodiment, the operating handle cut-outs remain in
open position by the shutter when the load break switch is present at any of the plurality of functional units and position changing station.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the apparatus can include an interlock
that is actuated between a locked and an unlocked position, wherein a direction of
motion of the at least one load break switch matches a direction of the interlock,
wherein the interlocks avoid malfunction of the at least one load break switch.
[0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive
subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are
included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a gas insulated
switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary front view of functional units of the
switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary front view of the mechanism
compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary isometric view of the mechanism
compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0030] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that
follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0031] The present disclosure relates, in general, to electrical distribution and
control installations, and more specifically, relates to a single load break switch in switchgear for multiple switching functions. The apparatus of the present disclosure enables to overcome the limitations of the prior art by operating switchgear panels with multiple functional units using a single load break switch instead of providing separate load break switches. In an embodiment, interlocking is installed to protect both the equipment and the operator from dangerous situations caused by incorrect equipment operation.
[0032] In a single panel of switchgear, there might be a requirement of more
than one load break switch. To overcome the above limitation, the apparatus of the present disclosure can reduce the number of load break switches in the switchgear panel if there is a requirement of more than one load break switch. A single load break switch can be used for switching multiple functions. The use of single load break switches gives rise to the development of new interlocks. The proposed apparatus can make switchgear less sophisticated and costly. The advantages achieved by the apparatus of the present disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the invention is not limited to these embodiments only.

Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the
embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally,
the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims
but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.
[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a gas insulated
switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 A, switchgear 100 (also referred to as an apparatus
100, herein) can be used widely in the distribution network. The switchgear 100 as presented in the example can be gas-insulated switchgear. The switchgear 100 is enclosed by a housing 102 (also interchangeably referred to as switchgear fascia 102, herein), which is constructed from plate-shaped and/or frame-shaped, preferably by metal elements. The switchgear 100 can include load break switch (LBS) 202 shown in FIG.2A, one or more LBS operating handle cut-outs (104-1 to 104-4), LBS handle 106, LBS handle guideway 108, pin 110, one or more pin cut¬outs (112-1 to 112-4), one or more functional units (114-1 to 114-3) shown in FIG. IB, LBS position changing station 116, LBS force transfer bracket 204 and LBS guideways 206.
[0035] The load break switch 202 is shown in FIG. 2A configured in the
housing 102 of the switchgear 100, the load break switch 202 adapted for switching mechanical assembly (also referred to as functional unit) present inside a compartment/tank of the housing 102. The mechanical assembly can be one or more functional units (114-1 to 114-3) (also interchangeably referred to as mechanical assembly force transfer bracket functional units, herein) present inside the compartment/tank of the housing 102. The functional units (114-1 to 114-3) can slide between a connected position and a disconnected position. The mechanical assembly (114-1 to 114-3) can have any three positions which are ON-OFF-EARTH. The load break switch 202 operates mechanical assembly to either ON, isolate or earth position. For operating the load break switch 202, all the necessary controls are provided at the switchgear fascia 102. In the present disclosure, the plurality of load break switches is not employed, instead, a single load break switch

202 (also referred to as at least one load break switch 202, herein) is used to drive more than one functional unit.
[0036] The load break switch 202 drives the mechanical assembly to change
the ON-OFF-EARTH positions, where ON means power supply cable is connected, OFF means power supply cable is isolated and EARTH means the power supply cable is earthed. Each mechanical assembly is present inside the compartment/tank of the switchgear 100. Each functional unit can be driven by the load break switch 202. For operating the load break switch all the necessary controls are provided at housing 102.
[0037] The pin 110 is coupled to the load break switch 202 through LBS force
transfer bracket 204. The pin 110 adapted to engage and disengage the load break
switch 202 to and from the functional units (114-1 to 114-3). The LBS handle 106
is an integral part of the load break switch 202, and is operated to latch and de-latch
the load break switch 202 at the functional units (114-1 to 114-3), and is arranged
such that the LBS handle 106 can be moved horizontally in the LBS handle
guideways 108 along with the LBS which moves in LBS guideways 206
[0038] The one or more LBS operating handle cut-outs (104-1 to 104-4) are
formed in the successive walls of the housing 102. The one or more pin cut-outs (112-1 to 112-4) are formed above the one or more LBS operating handle cut-outs (104-1 to 104-4) in the successive walls of the housing through which the pin 110 can be seen, and is arranged such that it can be operated.
[0039] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary front view of functional units of the
switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. IB, the functional units as presented in the example can include a first functional unit 114-1, a second functional unit 114-2 and a third functional unit 114-3. As can be appreciated, the present disclosure may not be limited to this configuration but may be extended to other configurations. The LBS position changing station 116 can be present on the compartment/tank of the housing 102. The LBS position changing station 116 has no related assembly like functional unit present inside the compartment/tank. It is merely a position changing station.

[0040] The load break switch 202 is located at the first functional unit 114-1,
wherein the pin 110 disengages the load break switch 202 from the first functional unit 114-1 and is moved to the position changing station 116. The load break switch 202 is latched at the position changing station 116 using the LBS handle 106, where the position state of the load break switch 202 is changed based on the state of the second functional unit 114-2 and the third functional unit 114-3. The load break switch 202 is moved from the position changing station 116 to any of the second functional unit 114-2 or third functional unit 114-3.
[0041] The LBS handle 106 is operated to latch and de-latch the load break
switch 202 at the functional units (114-1 to 114-3) and at position changing station 116. During the transaction between two functional units, the LBS handle 106 may not be able to latch i.e., it remains in delatched position till the transaction is complete. The load break switch 202, upon transaction between two functional units, is free to move over the LBS guideways 206.
[0042] In an embodiment, apparatus 100 can include an interlock that is
actuated between a locked and an unlocked position, wherein a direction of motion
of the load break switch matches a direction of the interlock. The operating handle
cut-outs (104-1 to 104-4) remain in close position by shutter when the load break
switch 202 is not present at any or a combination of the functional units (114-1 to
114-3) and position changing station 116. The operating handle cut-outs (104-1 to
104-4) can be opened by the shutter when the load break switch 202 is present at
any of the functional units (114-1 to 114-3) and position changing station 116.
[0043] The load break switch 202 performs a sequence of operations while
shifting the load break switch 202 from one functional unit to another functional unit, the sequence of operation pertaining to de-latching operation, position changing operation and latching operation. The sequence of operation while shifting load break switch 202 from one functional unit to another functional unit as are follows: De-latching sequence:
• The load break switch 202 is present at a first functional unit 114-1.

• The shutter for the LBS operating handle cut out 104-1 is closed. An
interlock is configured to ensure the closed position of the LBS operating handle cut out 104-1.
• The pin 110 located in the load break switch 202 de-latch the
mechanical assembly force transfer bracket 204 of the first functional unit 114-1. The pin 110 and the load break switch force transfer brackets 204 are independent of mechanical assembly. An interlock is configured to ensure the de-latching operation.
• Load break switch 202 is de-latched from the first functional unit 114-
1 using the LBS handle 106. The LBS handle 106 can latch and de-latch only when the load break switch 202 is present at the functional units. During the transaction between two functional unit the LBS handle 106 may not be able to latch, whereit remains in condition till the transaction is complete
• The load break switch 202 is free to move over the LBS guideways
206. The LBS handle 106 can be moved horizontally in LBS handle guideways 108. LBS position changing station 116:
• The load break switch 202 is moved from the first functional unit 114-1 to LBS position changing station 116.
• The load break switch 202 is latched at the LBS position changing station 116 using the LBS handle 106.
• The shutter for the LBS operating handle cut-out 104-2 is opened.
• The load break switch 202 position is then changed according to the state of the second functional unit 114-2 and the third functional unit 114-3. If the third functional unit 114-3 is in EARTH position, then for moving the load break switch 202 to third functional unit 114-3 the position of load break switch 202 should be changed to EARTH position. If the position of load break switch is already in EARTH, then the change of position is not required (then it is also not required to stop the LBS 202 at the position changing station)

• The shutter for the LBS operating handle cut out 104-2 is closed.
• The load break switch 202 is de-latched at the LBS position changing station 116 using the LBS handle 106.
• The load break switch 202 is free to move over the LBS guideways 206. The LBS handle can be moved horizontally in LBS handle guideways 108.
Latching sequence:
• The load break switch 202 is moved from LBS position changing station 116 to second functional unit 114-2 or third functional unit 114-3.
• The load break switch 202 is latched at the second functional unit 114-2 or third functional unit 114-3 using the LBS handle 106.
• The pin 110 present in the load break switch 202 is latched to the mechanical assembly force transfer brackets of functional unit 114-2 or mechanical assembly force transfer bracket of functional unit 114-3. The pin 110 and the load break switch force transfer brackets 204 are latched to mechanical assembly.
• The shutter for the LBS operating handle cut-out 104-3 or 104-4 is opened for operation.
[0044] The above sequence can be perform automatically using motors or any
other suitable means.
[0045] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary front view of the mechanism
compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] The load break switch 202 is shown in FIG. 2A is present at the first
functional unit 114-1. The operating handle cut-outs 104-1 can be in an open or
close position by shutter when the load break switch 202 is present at the first
functional unit. The operating handle cut-outs 104-1 remain in the close position by
shutter when the load break switch 202 is operated through motor.
[0047] Similarly, the operating handle cut-outs (104-2, 104-3, 104-4) remain
in the open position by shutter when the load break switch 202 is present at the second functional unit 114-2, third functional unit 114-3 or position changing station 116. The operating handle cut-outs (104-2, 104-3, 104-4) remain in the close

position by the shutter when the load break switch 202 is not present at the second
functional unit 114-2, third functional unit 114-3 or position changing station 116.
[0048] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary isometric view of the mechanism
compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] The interlocks are employed to avoid malfunction of the single load
break switch. The interlock can be employed in following cases, where
• if the load break switch 202 is not present at the functional units (114-
1 to 114-3) or LBS position changing station 116, then the LBS
operating handle cut-out (104-1 to 104-4) may remain close by the
shutter.
•During de-latching, the interlock is employed in which the pin 110 can
be pulled to disengage if the LBS operating handle cut out (104-1
to 104-4) is closed by the shutter. •During latching, the LBS operating handle cut out (104-1 to 104-4)
cannot be opened if the pin 110 is not in its original engaged
position.
• The LBS handle 106 can be operated only after the pin 110 is pulled
to de-latch the load break switch 202 from the functional units (114-
2 to 114-3). Also, until the LBS handle 106 is operated back to its
original position, the pin 110 cannot be pushed back to latch load
break switch 202 to the functional units (114-2 to 114-3).
• The load break switch 202 can be moved to other functional units or
position changing station 116 only after the LBS handle 106 de-latched the load break switch 202. The load break switch 202 can be latched or de-latched only at functional units or position changing station 116.
• The LBS handle 106 can be operated to latch load break switch 202 at
functional units only if the position of the functional unit and the
load break switch 202 is similar.
[0050] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above provide
several advantages. The advantages achieved by the apparatus 100 of the present

disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. The apparatus 100
of the present disclosure provides a standardized, simple and cost-effective
switchgear assembly with improved reliability. The single load break switch can
effectively control multiple functional units and simplify the switchgear assembly.
The interlocks are employed to avoid the malfunction of the single load break
switch. The proposed apparatus 100 has improved ergonomics and has the user
interface that helps the smooth operation of the load break switch 202 and its related
interlock without demanding any strenuous way of operation by the operator.
[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 100 of
the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0052] The present disclosure provides a standardized, simple and cost-
effective switchgear assembly.
[0053] The present disclosure provides an apparatus with improved
reliability.
[0054] The present disclosure provides an apparatus with a single load break
switch to control multiple functional units in an effective way and to simplify the switchgear assembly.
[0055] The present disclosure provides an apparatus with proper interlocks
that are employed to avoid malfunction of the single load break switch
[0056] The present disclosure provides an apparatus with improved
ergonomics.

[0057] The present disclosure provides an apparatus with user interface that
helps the smooth operation of the load break switch and its related interlock without demanding any strenuous way of operation by the operator.

We Claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for multiple switching functions, the apparatus
comprising:
a plurality of functional units (114-1, 114-2, 114-3) configured inside a compartment of a housing (102), the plurality of functional units (114-1, 114-2, 114-3) slides between a connected position and a disconnected position;
at least one load break switch (202) configured in the housing (102) of the apparatus, wherein said at least one load break switch (202) drives the plurality of functional units (114-1, 114-2, 114-3) to change the position state pertaining to on position, off positions and earth positions;
a position changing station (116) configured on the compartment of the housing (102), wherein the position state of at least one load break switch is changed based on the state of the plurality of functional units; and
a pin (110) coupled to the at least one load break switch (202), wherein the pin adapted to engage and disengage the at least one load break switch to and from the plurality of functional units (114-1, 114-2, 114-3) to perform desired operation.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one load break switch (202) performs sequence of operation while shifting the at least one load break switch from one functional unit to another functional unit, the plurality of functional units comprises a first functional unit (114-1), second functional unit (114-2) and third functional unit (114-3), the sequence of operation pertaining to de-latching operation, position changing operation and latching operation, wherein the sequence of operation is performed automatically using motors or other suitable means.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a handle (106) coupled to at least one load break switch (202), and is operated

to latch and de-latch the at least one load break switch at the plurality of functional units, the handle is arranged such that the handle is moved horizontally in a handle guideway (108).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one load break switch (202) is located at the first functional unit (114-1), wherein the pin (110) disengages the at least one load break switch (202) from the first functional unit and is moved to the position changing station.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one load break switch is latched at the position changing station (116), wherein the position state of said at least one load break switch is changed based on the state of the second functional unit or the third functional unit.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one load break switch 202 is moved from the position changing station (116) to any of the second functional unit (114-2) or third functional unit (114-3).
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one load break switch is free to move over horizontal guideways (206).
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises operating handle cut-outs (104-1 to 104-4) that remains in close position by shutter when the at least one load break switch is not present at any of the plurality of functional units and position changing station.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating handle cut-outs (104-1 to 104-4) remain in open position by the shutter when the at least one load break switch is present at any of the plurality of functional units and position changing station.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises an interlock that is actuated between a locked and an unlocked position, wherein a direction of motion of the at least one load break switch matches a direction of the interlock, wherein the interlocks avoid malfunction of the at least one load break switch.