A) TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relate to electrical contact systems, particularly to mechanical actuator for electrical contact systems. The present invention more particularly relates to a mechanism for switch disconnector in electrical systems.

B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electrical contact system is mainly used to make or break the circuit, which comprise of moving and fixed contacts. When moving contacts is in contact with fixed contact the circuit is said to be closed, and if the moving contact is moved away from the fixed contact the circuit is said to be opened. Some special arrangement is made to move the moving contacts in order to close or open the circuit. For this an external mechanism is needed for the actuation to the mechanism.

[0003] Existing Switch Disconnector (SD) product consists of two main aspects such as a mechanism and a contact system integrated in a single housing. The housing is externally connected with an auxiliary contact if the user needs to know the working status of SD from a remote place. The user can operate SD from the front side which is the side which gets displayed when the SD is mounted in the panel.

[0004] hi the existing systems, the actuating mechanism is an integral part of the contact system i.e., the mechanism is not modular so that the mechanism cannot be isolated from the contact system. In order to solve any problem in either of the contact system or mechanism, the product need to be dismantled causing disturbance to the parts. Also while in assembling phase it makes more complex to assemble.

[0005] External auxiliary switch is used to control wiring for remote indication of the state of the Switch Disconnector (ON/OFF) which it is connected. The auxiliary switch is connected to the switching device. This increases the dimension of the switching device. In existing mechanism there is no provision to couple more than one switching or other devices with same input. Today compactness is becoming an essential feature because of space and mass constraints in areas of switching applications viz. IT, Aerospace, Marine dc. The need for a compact mechanism to drive the switching contacts is evident.

[0006] Hence there is a need to provide an improved switch disconnector for electrical contact system in which the mechanism is modular so that it is easy to assemble and disassemble from the contact system.

[0007] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The primary object of the present invention is to develop an improved modular switch disconnector system.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop an improved contact system whwein the contact syston aai the mechanism can be assembled separately during an assembly phase.

[0010] Yet another object of the presait invoition is to develop an improved contact system in which the unit can be diiantled separately and then attend fte pmhi&na without disturbing eithor of ifte assonbly in case of any problem in either contact system or mechanism.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invtion is to develop m improved contact system in which a provision can be provided inside the mechanism for auxiliary switch.

[0012] Yet another object of the present inveition is to develop an improved contact system for mounting two switdi discoimectors side by side.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of jaresent invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction Avith the accompanying drawings.

D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The above mentioned shortcomings disadvantages and problems are addressol herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following ecification.

[0015] The various embodiments of the presoit invaition provide an improved mechanism for switch discoimector. The main assembly consists of two sub assnUies. The sub assembly one incliKies an output bridge which is comiected to a connecting link by Pin 2. The output bridge rotates with respect to the Pin 2. The connecting link is attached to output link by a Pin 1. The output link is connected in the same axis of side shaft with the help of an iimec spacer so that the ou^ut link rotates independent of the input link. A tat fit is made between side shaft, spacer, and input link. The output link is placed between the spacer and die iiqwt link and it is free to rotate in its axis.

[0016] According to an anbodiment of ttie iffweit invention, the sub assembly two includes an output bridge which is connected to a connecting link by Pin 2. The output bridge rotates with reelect to the Pin 2. The connecting link is attached to output link by a Pin 1. The output link is connected in the same axis of side shaft with the help of a gear so that the output link rotates independent of the input link. A tight fit is made between the side shaft, the gear, and the input link. The output link is placed between the gear and the input link and it is free to rotate in its axis.

[0017] According to an embodimoit of the esent invention, the first sub assembly and the second sub assembly is connected by an input pin and an output pin. Further, two springs are connected between the input pin and the output pin to form the main assembly.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a vertical gear assembly consists of a vertical gssat shaft, a vertical gear and a spacer where a tight fit is made between them. The main assembly is placed in the housing and the volical gear assembly is engoJ with the gear in the main assembly. The input to the top side is given fixm the vertical shaft, and for lateral side the input is given by either of the side ^aft, which ensures a three sided opotion.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the prient invention, when the mechanism is in OFF position, the vertical gear as well as side shaft will give tiie injHJt torque to the mechanism. This ensures the provision of three sided op«-ati(Mis in the mechanism. The input is given to the input link of the mechanism. Hie output link will rotate when the spting crosses its dead centre. Due to the rotation, the connecting link conn«4ed in Ibe output link forces the ou^ut bddge to give a linear motion and makes tiie contact system to get closed. When the input link rotates till the dead centre there will not be any movement in the output link, whidi ensures a manually independent opo'ation.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the pres«it invention, when the mechanism is in ON position, the connecting link is connected with the output link and the output bridge. When the mechanism crosses the dead centre, the output link tends to move upwards so &at the motion is transmitted to output link through the connecting liidc and makes the output bridge to move upward.

E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates the exploded view of the first sub assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates the exploded view of the second sub assembly according to an onbodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the vertical gear assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of the main assembly including the first and second sub assemblies according to an embodimoit of the present invoition.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a switch disconnector mechanism in OFF position according to an embodiment of the presoit invraition.

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates the exploded view of the switch disconnector mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a pCTspective side view of the switch disconnector mechanism in a dead center position according to an embodimait of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of flie switch disconnector mechanism in ON position according to an onbodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates the OFF, DEAD CENTER and ON position of the mechanism and how the output bridge is moved upward upon rotating the output link according to an embodiment of the i»esait invention.

[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram showing the mechanism for achieving dead center and manual independency according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of the modular switch disconnector with an auxiliary unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of the auxiliary unit attached to the medianism and its actuation accordix^ to aa embodimeirt of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the switch disconnector operating with two mechanisms simultaneously according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Althougih specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenioice only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without deputing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0037] The various embodiments of the preseit invention provide an improved mechanism for switch disconnector. The main assembly consists of two sub assemblies. FIG. 1 illustrates the explode view of the first sub assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The output bridge 11 which is ccamected to the connting link 12 by pin 14 moves linearly in the assembly. The output bridge 11 rotates with reect to the pin 14. The connecting link 12 is attached to the output Ihdc 13 by the pin 19. The output link 13 is connected in the same axis of a side shaft 18 th &e help of the inner spacer 16 such tiiat the output link 13 rototes independent of the input link IS. A tight fit is made between the side diaft 18, the spacra 17 and the input link 15 as shown in FIG. 1. The on link 13 is placed between spacer 17 and the input link 15 and it is freetORrtatein that axis.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates the exploded view of the second sub assembly according to an embodiment of the present inventicm. The out bridge 11 moves linearly which is connected to the connecting link 12 by pin 14 with respect to which the output bridge 11 rotates. The OHinting link 12 is attached to output link 13 by the pin 19. The ouRrt Hnk 13 is connected in the same axis of side shaft 18 with the help of the isma cor 16 such that the output link 13 rotates independent of the input link 15. A tight fit is made between side shaft 18, the gear 21 and the input liidc 15 as shown in FIG. 2. The output link 13 is placed between the gear 21 and the input link 15 and it is free to rotate in that axis.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the vertical gear assembly according to an embodiment of the presoit invention. The vertical gear assembly consists of a vertical gear shaft 31, a v«tical gear 21 and a spacer 17 where a tight fit is made between them as wn in FIG. 3. The sub assembly 1 and the subassembly 2 are connected by the input pin 41 and the output pin 42 as shown in FIG. 4. Furthra-, two ^oigs 43 are coimected between input pin 41 and the output pin 42.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a switch disconnector mechanism in OFF position according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates the exirfoded view of the switch disc(Hinector mechanism according to an embodiment of the jwesent invention. The vertical gear shaft 31 as well as the side diaft 18 provides an input torque to flie mechanism. Thus the provisicm of three sides of operations is made in this medianism. The input is given to the input link 15 of the medmma. The output link 13 will rotate when the si»ing43 crosses its dead centre. Due to this rotation the connecting link 12 connected in the output link 13 makes the output bridge 11 to give the linear motion and makes the contact s^em to close. In this mechanism, when the input Unk IS rotates till the ad centre there will not be any movement in the output link 13. This entires a mffliually independent operation.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective side view of the switch disconnector mechanism in a DEAD CENTER position according to an embodiment of the presait invaition. At DEAD CENTER position, the direction of line of force of action changes. That i$,wp to this position tfie spring 43 is charged by the operator in one directifm. After that the spring 43 releases the stored oiergy in the other directicm. The erator actuates the handle. This actuation charges the spring 43. The qaBtor thus charges the spring 43 till the spring 43 reaches the dead center. After reaching the dead center, the moving contacts starts moving in a linear motion and finally closes with the fixed contacts by the charged spring 43 action. The contacts do not move \mtil the spring 43 crosses the dead cmtxe. This ensures total manual independency.

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the switch disconnector mechanism in ON position according to an embodiment of the presoit invention. The connecting link 12 is connected wi& ttie output link 13 and the output bridge 11. When the mechanism ooss^ the dead centie the output link 13 tends to move upwards so that the motion is transmitted to output link 13 through the connecting link 12. TTiis in turn induces a force on the output bridge 11 which forces the output taidge 11 to move upward.

[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates the OFF, DEAD CENTER and ON position of the mechanism mid 1K}W the output bridge is moved vspwmd upon rotating the output link according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the input is provided from the side aft 18/ vertical lalt 31, the mechanism rotates in the anti clockwise direction until the dead coiter as own in FIG. 9a. FIG. 9b shows the dead center position. The output link 13 is not moved up to a point when the mechanism reaches the dead cento position and makes the mechanism independent of manual q)eration. After crossing the dead center position, the output link 13 starts to rotate in clockwise direction as it is connected with the spring 43 and makes the ouQnit bridge 11 to move upward throuj connecting link 12 as slrown in FIG. 9c.

[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram showing the mechanism for achieving dead center and manual independency according to an embodiment of the present invention. The manual dindency is achieved when the input is given through the side shaft 18 A^ertical gear shaft 31. The input link 15 is rotated as it is connected to the side shaft 18. As input link IS is rotated, the input pin 41 connected to input link IS is moved along with it. This charges the spring 43 connected to die input link 15. The input given by the operator is only used to charge the spring 43. Until the dead centre, the line of action of force due to the sjmng 43 acts downwards which makes the output link 13 to stay in the dead centre position. After crossing the dead centre, the line of action of force changes and the stored spring 43 energy is used to rotate the output link 13. The output bridge 11 is connected to the output link 13 through the connecting link 12. Hie motion of the output bridge 11 depends only upon the spring 43 force, thus ensuring the manual independency of the mechanism as shown in FIG 7.

[0045] FIG. 10a illustrates the medianism on position (line diagram). Here the spring 43 is connected betweoi point 101 ai 102. The ng 43 used in this invention is an extension spring. The ]patopetty of extension spring 43 is, wln it is extended or pulled apart it stor energy. As the input is given through the side lafl 18 the input link IS starts to rotate in a clockwise direction. Thus the inning 43 also starts ex.tm&aig as it is shown in FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c, FIG. lOd and FIG. lOe. As it raitend the spring stoi«s energy upto the maximum exto^on point dead centre.

[0046] The dead centre is the point whi tiie point 101, point 102 and centre 103 are in straight line as shown in FIG. lOd. Here the extension spring 43 is extended and the simng 43 stores the energy vp to this point. After crossing the dead centre only tiie output link 13 starts moving. As it is connected to the spring 43 as the line of action of force dianges its direction to upward as shown in FIG. lOe. This ensures the mamud independency, i.e., the input given by the operator is used only to charge the spring 43 and die opening and closing of the contacts are fully depend on ihe spring 43 in the mechanism.

[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of tfie modular switch disconnector with an auxiliary unit according to an onbodiment of the present invention. The mechani»n dimension 111 includes a space for the arrangement of the auxiliary switch. Thus the dimmsicm of the mechanian will not increase due to auxiliary switch. The mecoiism 111 is isolated separately without affecting the contact system 113 so that the assembly of the mechanism 111 is indq)aident of the contact system 113.

[0048] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of the auxiliary unit attached to the mechanism and its actuation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here the auxiliary unit 112 is placed within the dimension of the mechanism 111. The auxiliary unit 112 is an external switch used to indicate the state of the switch disconnector to remote centre/ control room through control wiring. This is actuated by the switch disconnector to which it is comiected.

[0049] The mechanism 111 is modular so tiiat it can be separated from the contact system 113. In the assembly phase, the contact system 113 ai^ the mechanism 111 are assembled sqarately. This pcovides for dismantling the unit separately and to attend the problem wi&out diurfoing either of the assembly in case of any problem in either contact system 113 or mechanism 111.

[0050] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the switch disconnector op«:ating with two mechanisms simultaneously according to an embodiment of the present invention. The two mechanisms 131 ai 133 can be mounted side by side and the input to the second mechanism 133 is taken from one of the side shaft 18 by means of a shaft which is illustratai in the FIG. 13. The two switch disconnectors 131 and 133 are mounted side by side with an extra part (shaft 132) connected bestween the side shafts of the two switch disconnectors, thai the input given in one product cmi drive the otho*.

G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The present switch disconnector mechanism is modular, compact enough and manual independent operation.

[0052] In the present invention a provision is made for auxiliary switch within the mechanism without increasing the dimension of the switch disconnector. The switch disconnector of the present invention provides to drive more than one switch disconnector with single input. The ratio between the output deliwred to input given is 0.95. The unit can be dismantled separately and then attend the problem without disturbing either of the assembly in case of any problem in either contact system or mechanism.

[0053] Although the invention is desaibed wfli various q;)ecific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person lulled in tl aft to {ffactice ihs invention with modifications. However, all such tm^Bcaldotm are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.

[0054] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the present invention desoibed herein and all the statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of Imiguage might be said to fall there between.

CLAIMS
What is claimed is:

1) A switch disconnector mechanism comprising;
a first subassembly and a second subassembly including at least one of:
an output bridge;
a connecting link;
an input link;
an output link;
a side shaft;
a spacer;
a gear;
at least one input pin to interconnect the first subassembly and the second
subassembly;
at least one output pin to interconnect the first subassembly and the second
subassembly;
one or more springs connected between the input pin and the output pin; and
a vertical gear assembly;
Wherein the output bridge is connected to the output link through the connecting link such that a movement of the output bridge depends only on the spring force thereby ensuring manual independency of the mechanism.

2. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the output bridge is connected to the connecting link with a first pin.

3. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the output link placed between the spacer and the input link is free to rotate at its axis.

4. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the vertical gear assembly comprising:

a vertical gear shaft;
a vertical gear; and
a vertical spacer;
wherein the vertical gear shaft, the vertical gear and the vertical spacer are arranged so as to provide a tight fit among each other.

5. The mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the vertical shaft provides for an input to a top side and the side shaft provides for an input to a lateral side thereby providing a three-sided operation.

6. The mechanism according to claim 4, wherein at least side of the side shaft includes a preset profile to mount at least one of the gear, the spacer and the input link to provide input.

7. The mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the gear is adapted to convert the input provided by the vertical gear.

8. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the spacer separates the output link from the side shaft.

9. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is fitted with the side shaft and the output Link placed over the inner spacer to ensure that the axis of the output link is same as the side shaft.

10. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the connecting link transmits the motion from the output link to the output bridge.

11. The mechanism according to claim 4, wherein a rotation of the input link charges the spring connected to the input link until a dead center position using the input provided through the input link.

12. The mechanism according to claim 11, wherein a when the dead centre is crossed the line of action of the spring force changes and the spring energy rotates the output link.

13. The mechanism according to claim I, wherein the input link start to rotate in a clockwise direction when an input is provided through the side shaft such that the springs gets extended up to a maximum extension point dead centre.

14. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the moving contacts starts moving in a linear motion gets closed with the fixed contacts by charged spring action after reaching the dead center,

15. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein an auxiliary unit is placed within the dimension of the mechanism.

16. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the input provided is employed to charge the spring and the spring mechanism controls the opening and closing of the contacts.